Nearly 9,000 people in Pochalla County of Jonglei state have received food assistance from the World Food Program.

Last week, authorities in the County said about six hundred families were seeking assistance in the neighboring Ethiopia due to hunger and insecurity in Pochalla County.

Jonglei state Director of Relieve and Rehabilitation Commission Gabriel Deng  told Eye Radio that almost half of those in need have received assistance.

“The food has arrived and people who are going to refugees camps in search of food may not be able to go again since the food has started arriving,” said Mr. Deng. “75% of food requirements are already air lifted in.”

The food items distributed include cereals, pastas, oils and salt.

Mr. Deng said severe food shortages have also forced many students to dropout of Pochalla schools.

Last month, three people reportedly died of hunger in the County.