All too frequently, families are forced to flee areas of heavy fighting and move to areas incapable of sustaining them. During peacetime, people can generally survive periods of drought and food shortages. The usual coping methods have long since disappeared in southern Sudan. Children and adults have been eating wild foods and many are living off of leaves. Aid distribution points often require a walk of several days.
Many people are too weak to make the journey and die along the way.
Supplying these relief centers has been difficult for the United Nations and private aid agencies , working together as Operation Lifeline Sudan. Delivery of sufficient amounts of food and seeds was critically delayed between February and April when the government of Sudan banned the use nearly all airstrips in Bahr el Ghazal. Although the flight ban has been lifted, it may be too late to get enough food to all of those who need it. In addition, relief agencies continue to find their work hampered by ongoing fighting. The rainy season has made southern Sudan's roads impassable.