Residents of conflict-torn Leer, Unity State, are slowly returning home in the aftermath of the recent clashes in the area, the International Committee of the Red Cross has said.

Over 100, 000 civilians fled the fighting which erupted between the government and opposition forces fighting in and around the town last week.

The humanitarian group says livelihoods have been destroyed and several houses burnt to the ground.

In a statement, it says the returnees have little or no food and need advanced medical care.

“The situation here in Leer is extremely serious. People are only just beginning to come back,” said Daniel Littlejohn-Carrillo, the ICRC official in charge.

“We know of several casualties of violence in the villages around here. The needs – in terms of water, food, other forms of health care and shelter – are dire, and we expect them to grow substantially fairly quickly.”

ICRC, which had suspended its regular activities a week ago, has returned to the area.

It said it plans to fly food and other supplies to Leer on Tuesday, which will benefit roughly 6,000 people.