The humanitarian community in South Sudan is seeking US$1.7 billion to protect 6.6 million people from possible starvation and displacement expected to intensify between May and July this year.

UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has to this effect launched the South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021 to raise the funds by the end of this year.

According to OCHA, some parts of the country are likely to experience flooding, insecurity and the effects of COVID-19 pandemic could aggravate the humanitarian issues.

‘‘South Sudan is expected to experience again devastating flooding which affected almost 1 million people in both 2019 and 2020.

‘‘The ongoing sub-national violence and localized conflicts in many parts of the country, combined with the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 on markets, services and movements, have led to a substantial increase in vulnerabilities.

‘‘As a result, South Sudan is facing its highest levels of food insecurity and malnutrition since independence 10 years ago,’’ OCHA said in a statement released on Tuesday, March 16.

“Conflict, displacement, loss of livelihoods, inability to reach health care and lack of access to schools have created urgent humanitarian and protection needs, especially for women and children,” Alain Noudéhou, the Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan said of the situation.

He further added, “Throughout these various shocks, the affected communities have continued to demonstrate a great sense of solidarity. I call on the Government, development partners, donors and aid organizations to match their solidarity with unwavering support.’’

Noudéhou said focus has been assigned to food insecurity and preparation to mitigate crises out of the flooding. He said this is a joint effort that involves even South Sudanese people of goodwill.

“But we need urgent funding to prevent a further deterioration of the situation, and we need the violence to stop so that the people of South Sudan can finally recover from the crisis and rebuild their lives,” he added.