December 24, Nairobi — Over 5,000 people have crossed into South Sudan each day since the beginning of December as fighting escalates near the border in Sudan’s White Nile, Blue Nile and Sennar states. The influx of people has overwhelmed already scarce resources, leaving displaced people in crisis, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Tuesday.
MSF said they have added 14 tents around the hospital in Renk town, South Sudan, to make space for war-wounded patients that are arriving at the county hospital.
“The situation is completely overwhelming and it’s not enough,” said Emanuele Montobbio, MSF emergency coordinator in Renk. He said over 100 wounded patients with serious injuries are still awaiting surgery.
On Monday, the United Nations said that 80,000 individuals have crossed into South Sudan since Dec. 8 through six entry points, five of which are unofficial crossings. Last week, it was announced the UN was seeking $468 million to support refugees and host communities in South Sudan in 2025.
Meanwhile, the two transit centers in Renk are designed to accommodate a maximum of 8,000 people. But they are currently sheltering over 17,000.
Outside the transit centers within Renk and in informal settlements, thousands are forced to live under trees or in makeshift shelters, with limited access to food, clean water or healthcare. The conditions are heightening the risk of disease outbreaks while Renk is already experiencing a cholera outbreak.