Warrap State appeals to donors for support amid heavy floods

By Simon Deng

Warrap State officials have appealed to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and humanitarian agencies for support as they battle to mitigate risks posed by floods on the population across six counties.

William Wol Mayom, the State minister of information and communication and also chairperson for the flood management committee, said in a statement on Friday that Tonj North and Gogrial East Counties are seriously submerged with water following recent heavy torrential rains.

“On behalf of the flood assessment team, I appeal to the National Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, humanitarian agencies, and donors and well-wishers to provide support to mitigate the risks posed by  floods in Warrap State,”  said Mayom.

Mayom said that 9000 households have been affected in 9 payams of Tonj North County, adding that crops of different varieties have been submerged under water which could result into hunger.

He also said that in Gogrial East County more than 10,000 households are affected in 10 payams, noting that 4 secondary schools are partially functioning due to flash floods.

In addition, he disclosed that they have so far recorded 21 cases of snake bites including two men who died in Manlor due to snake bites.

Mayom said that malaria cases are on the rise, adding that the situation is compounded by the closure of basic health facilities and schools.

 “The State government has already pulled out all the necessary resources to mitigate the impact of the floods but we have financial gaps to be filled,” he said.

The flood risk assessment is being spearheaded by the state government in collaboration with County Commissioners supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other UN agencies operating in Warrap State.

The Warrap State flood management committee has already assessed the flood risk situation in Twic and Gogrial West counties.