HIGHLIGHTS
695 200 people have been internally displaced since 15 December, and 190 000 have fled to neighbouring countries.
Violence in Malakal town, Upper Nile State, is feared to have caused further displacement and the whereabouts of many town residents is as yet unknown.
The Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster estimates that 3.7 million people face “crisis” and “emergency” food insecurity (Integrated Phase Classification).
A major food and nutrition crisis is already apparent - in the worst-affected states, basic commodities are becoming increasingly scarce, food reserves are running low and prices of staple foods are rising.
Food insecurity will continue rising if inputs are not quickly provided to restart food production-basic fishing equipment for those living along or near rivers; livestock vaccines and drugs for community-based animal health workers (CBAHWs); fastmaturing vegetable seeds to displaced people in Protection of Civilian sites and other populations in rural and urban areas; and crop seeds to farmers with access to land before the planting season starts (March-July).
FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission Report released on 20 February – bleak outlook for three worst-hit states (Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity).