A million people hit by flooding in South Sudan

In a recent interview, representatives from the UN’s humanitarian organization, Ocha, revealed that over a million people in South Sudan have been severely affected by widespread flooding. The situation has forced more than a quarter of these individuals, particularly in the northern regions, to evacuate their homes as rising waters continue to engulf communities.

Ocha highlighted that while displaced residents are seeking shelter on higher ground, the heavy rains have complicated efforts to deliver much-needed aid. This flood season is proving to be one of the most devastating in decades for a country already grappling with a population of over 11 million.

Joseph Nyao, the director of Relief and Rehabilitation in Pibor, conveyed the harrowing reality for those who have fled to safer areas. “They don’t even have food; they left everything behind,” he told the BBC. Nyao stressed the government’s urgent message to residents at risk: “Move to the higher grounds identified by local authorities for your safety,” given that water levels are still on the rise and displacement is ongoing.

Earlier in May, the South Sudanese government warned the international community about the imminent threat of exceptional floods expected to escalate in the following months. According to Ocha, the rains have made 15 key supply routes impassable, severely hindering the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to approximately 500,000 people throughout the country.

This crisis is further accentuated by South Sudan’s ongoing challenges stemming from the 18-month civil war in neighboring Sudan, which has seen over half a million Sudanese refugees and returnees registered since April of last year. With an already critical humanitarian situation, Ocha has cautioned that the country’s capacity to respond is being stretched even thinner.

As the situation unfolds, attention must remain focused on supporting those affected and ensuring that aid reaches those in desperate need.