Experts are warning that flooding in South Sudan will worsen, with September and October expected to be the worst months. Large areas of the country have already been submerged since late 2023. The UN estimates that 710,000 people living in 30 of the country’s 78 counties are affected by the new surge in water levels. Photos and videos shared on social media show communities armed with their bare hands building dikes to protect their villages.
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With our correspondent in Juba, Florence Miettaux
THE South Sudantraditionally affected by Nile floods, has been facing unprecedented flooding since late 2019, exacerbated by the climate changeThis year, heavy rains and the opening of dams on the Nile in Uganda threaten to create a devastating situation.
“ The water level is rising every day and no one can stop it “In Old Fangak, a town surrounded by water in the north of Jonglei State, Father Pedro Salvador Matteo, a Comboni missionary, deplores the lack of preparation and resources in the face of these new floods, which have been predicted for months: ” The only resources we can rely on are human resources. The youth of Old Fangak work hard every day to protect the city by reinforcing the sea wall manually. »
Similar concerns are being voiced in neighbouring Unity State, where several counties have already been flooded and crops have been largely destroyed. Authorities are trying to strengthen dikes around major towns to accommodate the displaced. This should allow people not to flee too far, warns John Juan Buom, head of the humanitarian branch of the local government. However, this will cause other problems, such as epidemics. People will be crowded together, basic services will be insufficient. We will run out of school places and medicines. »
As food distributions are set to end on September 15 in Unity State, the official calls on authorities and theUN to raise funds. This is to help the regions that will be hit hard by the floods.
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