More than 4,000 people who fled ongoing fighting in the predominantly Lou Nuer areas of Jonglei State are still without shelter and healthcare services in neighboring Pigi County, according to officials and residents.

The conflict has intensified since the beginning of the year in the northern parts of Jonglei State, especially in Nyirol, Uror, Ayod, and later Akobo counties.

This has forced thousands of residents from their homes and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

Locals and representatives of the displaced communities say that many are sleeping under trees, raising concerns about a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases as the rainy season begins.

“Since March, following the fighting in Nyirol, more than 4,000 people have been displaced from the area and have arrived in the Khorfulus areas of Pigi County,” said Pur Paul, a local chief.

“Thank God, they recently received food assistance, but there is no shelter, and they have no access to quality education or health services.”

The community leader called on aid agencies to sustain their humanitarian efforts by providing shelter and scholastic materials for school-age children.

Meanwhile, Nyamal Ruon, a representative of the displaced people, expressed gratitude to the county authorities for their hospitality and appealed for additional support.

“We are thankful that we received food after arriving from Pading in Nyirol,” she said.

“The only problem is that we are sleeping under trees, so we need help.”

Pigi County Commissioner Suleiman Deng also warned of an imminent health crisis as the rains begin, noting that the displaced population remains exposed to the elements.

He joined the call for urgent humanitarian intervention.

“Recently, we received food aid for our IDPs from our partners,” he said. “However, thousands are still sleeping in the open, and their condition is dire. We therefore appeal for further intervention.”