ReliefWeb

Drivers of crisis and underlying factors

The conflict which started in December 2013 is the main cause of vulnerability for the affected population that has caused displacement of IDPs from Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile to Toch. This has been made worse by the flooding that occurred in Fangak County, which has also caused displacement amongst the host community. Homes are still submerged by the flood waters, with displaced populations moving to higher ground which is putting stress on the conflict displaced people and the host community. The flooding destroyed most of the food crops and cattle died in the area. Most of the cattle were therefore transferred to the neighbouring Payams, especially Paguir. Food is therefore unavailable, with the population largely dependent on scavenging for wild vegetable leaves, wild fruits and water lilies.

Scope of crisis and humanitarian profile

Initially when the IDPs started arriving in Toch and the surrounding areas they were supported by the host community; most didn’t have much with them in terms of food, water containers and shelter and they assimilated themselves into the host community. But the increase in IDP population and the flooding that caused secondary displacement and destroyed food crops and animals created competition for limited resources and depleting food stocks. As mentioned above, there is no food available with most people dependent on wild vegetables, wild fruits and water lilies.

The local authority Payam administrator estimates that there are approximately 5,700 conflict affected and 7,000 flood affected IDPs in and around Toch area, with an estimated 17,000 displaced in the greater Mareang area (Toch, Mareang, Nyadin). Most of the displaced comprise of women, children and the elderly. Some children are separated from their parents and are living with relatives in Toch.
Interviews with IDPs show that most came from Bentiu, Malakal, New Fangak, Canal, Bor, Ayod and Nassir.

The coping mechanism for the host and IDPs has been put into disarray due to competition for meagre resources, with lack of food, shelter and other basic services being the primary concerns of IDPs interviewed