A long-term humanitarian planning is required to meet the dire needs of South Sudanese refugees and the host communities in the region, the International Organization for Migration has said.

It says the impact of the crisis on the region is rising alarmingly as the number of South Sudanese crossing borders in search for safety grows.

The IOM says continuous fighting in some parts of the country continue to force civilians to flee to the neighboring countries.

“Acknowledging that this crisis is going on nearly three years and so we have to continue working together to provide assistance,” Ashley McLaughlin, IOM communication officer, told Eye Radio.

“People are in need of food; they are in need of shelter the more and more are being forced to flee their homes.”

Fighting intensified after the outbreak of clashes between guards of the former first vice-president Dr Riek Machar and President Kiir in Juba in July, according to media reports.

The waves of the gunfight has affected areas surrounding the capital, particularly Yei River, Maridi and Gbudwe, disrupting livelihood activities such as farming.