The UN estimates that at least 40 thousand civilians have fled the Abyei incidents, seeking refuge in South Sudan.
UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan Lise Grande told SCR News that the UN does not know the exact number of people displaced from Abyei area by the latest incidents but at least 40 thousand left for South Sudan.She said Twic County Commissioner reckons that another 40 thousand people fled from Agok into the bush in the aftermath of Abyei’s attack.
She said the total number of displaced by the Abyei incidents could surpass 80 thousand.
The displaced are in Turalei, Mayen Abun and Wunrok of Twic County.
Ms Grande said thousands of people are in need of humanitarian aid, adding that the region has only eleven health facilities.
She noted that the displaced desperately need food, emergency shelter, blankets, cooking pots and water jarricans.
Ms. Grande said UN agencies are providing aid to the displaced assisted by some NGOs operating locally.
Ms. Grande identified poor roads, fuel shortage, lack of trucks and insecurity at the northern borders among the challenges faced by the humanitarians working in the area.
She added that the UN is conducting another 25 emergency operations in South Sudan.
The northern forces attacked and occupied Abyei ten days ago and drove south almost the entire population of the area.
Many displaced walked more than 100 kilometres on foot and suffer from respiratory and digestive ailments.