In January 1998, the Christian SPLA rebels in the South scored a series of military successes against the Muslim government in the North. Fearing defeat, the government turned to its old weapon: Starvation and moved to ban aid flights. This feature follows a beleaguered World Vision food convoy right to the hungry mouths it manages to feed. Fierce storms whip up, making the roads impassable. In the teak forests desperate soldiers demand a lift, although aid agencies cannot carry them. In the village of Yei the government bombed 40 civilians the previous day and survivors are too afraid to go to the hospital. The village of Thiet has just been destroyed, leaving 17 dead. Scorched earth huts stand empty. Suddenly, in a surprisingly humane gesture, the Sudanese government opens 4 airstrips out of a possible 50 in the region. The aid agencies have 3 days to stockpile food. But many will not survive the long walks to the feeding centre. When the food is finally distributed, there’s only enough to last a family one week.

Produced by ABC Australia