Fighting Hits Planting Near South Sudan's Leer Town

Fighting in and around South Sudan's Leer town has disrupted the hunger-hit region's crucial planting season, and aid workers say, residents returning to the town urgently need food, water and medical help. the International Committee of the Red Cross says, nearly 100,000 people fled the town and surrounding areas in Unity State about two weeks ago, after hearing reports that warring forces were advancing on the area. Many hid in malaria-infested swamps several hours' walk from the town. In a telephone interview from Juba, ICRC spokesman Pawel Krzysiek said, "The needs are enormous, and the (aid) response has to be scaled up in the days and weeks ahead."