Nearly 900,000 hit by floods in South Sudan

JUBA – At least 886,106 people across 26 counties in six states in South Sudan have been affected, with Jonglei and Unity states accounting for over 91 per cent of the affected population, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

UNOCHA revealed on Friday in an assessment that widespread damage has been reported to homes, crops, schools, boreholes, and other public infrastructure.

“As of 9 October, flooding has affected an estimated 886,106 people across 26 counties in six states, with Jonglei and Unity accounting for over 91 per cent of the affected population,” said UNOCHA in a snapshot released on Friday.

“Widespread damage has been reported to homes, crops, schools, boreholes, and other public infrastructure. Nearly 287,300 people have been displaced across 16 counties, with many now sheltering on higher ground,” it added.

The report also disclosed that heavy rainfall and rising water levels along the River Nile will continue to inundate large parts of South Sudan. Severe flooding was reported on 8 October in Khorwac Town in Pigi County, Jonglei State, following overflow from the River Nile.

“In Jonglei State, severe flooding was reported on 8 October in Khorwac Town, Canal/Pigi County, following overflow from the River Nile. All public facilities—health centres, schools, and water points—have been submerged. People have relocated to higher ground,” it stated.

It noted that the dykes near the Bentiu United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base are reported to be in poor condition and at risk of breaching, warning that failure could flood the Bentiu IDP camp, which is home to nearly 109,000 displaced people.

Additionally, flooding in Malakal County of Upper Nile State on 6 October displaced hundreds from six villages, forcing them to seek refuge on elevated ground. In Unity State, extensive flooding in Rotriak of Rubkona County has displaced families to roadside areas, where the risks of injury and snakebites are increasing.

“Since 29 September, persistent rains have severely damaged roads in Rubkona and Bentiu towns, cutting off access. Most southern parts of the county are now accessible only by canoe, which humanitarian actors are using to deliver aid,” it added.

“A breach could flood the Bentiu IDP camp, home to nearly 109,000 displaced people. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) began urgent repairs on 7 October. Despite access challenges caused by impassable roads, especially in Unity, Upper Nile, and Jonglei States, humanitarian partners are delivering life-saving assistance to affected communities,” it concluded.