Vulnerable groups in need of food aid in Twic East: official

File photo: Food relief being resold in Bor market.

Local authorities in Twic East County of Jonglei State have warned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the area in the wake of the new coronavirus.

Local authorities in Twic East County of Jonglei State have warned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the area in the wake of the new coronavirus.

David Aleer, the county’s executive director, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the distribution of food meant for the vulnerable communities has been halted due to fear of the novel coronavirus.

“There were no harvests because of floods. We rely on relief foods and goods in markets. But with coronavirus, aid agencies have not been operating as usual. There has been no food distribution,” Aleer said.

He added, “Prices have also been increasing. For example, a sack of beans increased to 35,000 SSP from 25,000 SSP while a sack of maize flour increased from 15,000 SSP to 20 000 SSP.”

The local official urged the government and aid agencies to intervene.

South Sudan has confirmed a second case of the new coronavirus on Tuesday after it confirmed a first case Sunday.