More than 21, 000 people displaced by fighting in parts of Wau are surviving on wild roots and have no access to health services, the UN has said.

Fighting between different armed groups erupted in February in more than ten villages, resulting into displacement of people and destruction of property.

In a report released Monday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says partners assessed the villages found food stocks and household items were looted.

“People said they were surviving by eating wild roots – which they have to soak in water for three days then dry and cook before eating – and picking cassava leaves and roots,” partly read the statement.

It says health facilities have been destroyed and there were no health workers on the ground during the assessment.

“An unconfirmed number of people were displaced following skirmishes between armed actors in Bussere and Moimoi, Bazia payam, close to Wau town on 10 May, and fighting from 15 to 17 May in Menemba A boma, Raja, reportedly displaced more than 700 people to Diem-Jalad and Menemba B,” it added.

There were also reports of sexual and gender-based violence and killing of civilians, including children.

UNOCHA says the displaced people are sleeping in the open and are in need of food, shelter, health services and nutritional support. Humanitarian partners say they will provide support to the displaced.