More than 835 000 people affected by floods in South Sudan

Widespread flooding affecting South Sudan since May has continued to impact people and their livelihoods this month, with more than 835 000 people reported as affected by flooding in 33 of 78 counties, as of December 8, 2021.

Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Niles remain the worst impacted states, with some 80% of the total cumulative number of affected people.¹

Jonglei is the hardest hit with 305 000 people affected, followed by Unity with 220 000 affected, and Upper Nile with 141 000 affected.

Homes, nutrition and health facilities, water sources, schools and markets are submerged, impacting people’s access to essential services, eroding their coping mechanisms and exacerbating vulnerability, OCHA reports.

The flooding has displaced thousands of people, many of whom have taken refuge on higher ground within their county, with many sheltering in churches, schools and public spaces.

Floods destroyed farmland and crops, affecting seasonal harvest, placing at risk the next planting season, and killed a large number of livestock.

People in some affected areas have reportedly no access to safe water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Floodwaters continue to threaten people in areas such as in Bentiu town in Unity State where flood-affected people, including those in the Bentiu displacement camp, are in a dire situation. The floodwaters remain standing and stagnant, with no sign of receding resulting in longer-term displacement.

In other areas, such as Jonglei and Upper Nile, water continues to rise as water overflowed or broke barriers.

References:

¹ South Sudan Flooding Situation Report No. 3: Inter-Cluster Coordination Group – As of 14 December 2021 – OCHA

Featured image credit: WFP South Sudan