According to IRIN, “hunger is becoming a growing concern in parts of the northern district of Amuru after a hailstorm destroyed crops, killed livestock and left at least 10,000 people affected in an area recovering from a long dry spell.

“All my cassava crop was destroyed by the hailstorm… I tried to uproot the remaining cassava, which was left under the ground for re-planting, but it was rotten,” Aero Nyero, a 68-year-old mother of six told IRIN.

According to Nyero, the hailstorm, which hit the villages of Kal, Pupwonya, Okidi, Pacilo and Parwaca in Atiak sub-county on 21 March, was the first in 32 years.

Most residents have been left with no source of food as they had been relying on the cassava crop to feed their families during the planting season. Fruit and vegetable crops were also destroyed and 22 goats were killed. ”

Full story at IRIN.

Photo from International Rescue Committee.