People in Melut County in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State are under “severe stress” because of lack of food, water and shelter.

That’s according to a statement made by the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in the country following a visit to the area.

Tens of thousands of civilians are seeking shelter in Melut from neighbouring counties like Malakal and Ping County in Jonglei, because of clashes between government troops and rebels allied to the former vice president.

Over 1,200 are being hosted at the UN base, Toby Lanzer said.

The UN will do everything it can to step up aid to the displaced, he promised. But Mr. Lanzer also explained that the real solution was for communities to reconcile.

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