Several surveys carried out by delegates during the period under review showed that the next crops were being disastrously affected by the lack of rainfall. Certain vulnerable groups of the population (children, elderly and newly displaced persons, etc.) are already suffering from the drought. Since it is impossible for other agencies to get food to Malakal (by barge along the Nile) and Aweil (by train), the ICRC organized an airlift to supply these two points. Relief was also flown by large cargo aircraft to the town of Leer, in the area controlled by the SPLA, pending an ICRC barge service there.