Floods Displace Over One Million People Across South Sudan

By Simon Deng

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) revealed last week that severe flooding has affected over one million people across South Sudan.

In its update on flooding released over the weekend , UNOCHA noted that an estimated 1,024,500 people have been impacted in 29 counties across six states.

“As of 31 October, flooding has affected an estimated 1,024,500 people in 29 counties across six states, with Jonglei and Unity accounting for nearly 87 percent of those impacted,” stated UNOCHA.

The organisation reported that the severe flooding has led to widespread destruction of homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation in a country facing conflict and acute food insecurity.

“Nearly 355,000 people have been displaced in 18 counties, with many moving to higher ground. Of those affected, an estimated 631,789 people are in Jonglei State, 256,102 people in Unity State, 85,789 people in Upper Nile State, 24,505 people in Central Equatoria State, 15,780 people in Western Equatoria State, and 10,578 people in Warrap State,” it stated.

UNOCHA revealed that humanitarian partners have conducted Initial Rapid Needs Assessments in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, including Pibor, Gumuruk, and Likuangole, which have been inundated by severe flooding.

According to authorities and information gathered from affected communities, priority needs include food and livelihoods support, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter and non-food items, as well as protection services.

It said that a total of US$58 million is required to support approximately 870,000 flood-affected people across prioritised counties through the Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster. This funding will help restore livelihoods and provide essential assistance to vulnerable communities impacted by recent environmental shocks.

On 27 October, the Commissioner of Baliet County reported that rising Nile River water levels have swept through large areas along the riverbanks, destroying more than 1,000 acres of farmland. Authorities in Fashoda County also reported severe flooding affecting over 8,000 people (1,200 households).