JUBA – Widespread flooding has affected approximately 379,154 individuals in South Sudan, impacting 21 counties across five states, displacing families and disrupting their livelihoods, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
“As of 17 September, flooding continues to affect communities across South Sudan, with an estimated 379,154 people impacted in 21 counties across five states,” OCHA said in a statement issued on Friday in Juba.
It said that floodwaters have damaged farmland, destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods, and crippled key infrastructure—severely limiting access to essential services and humanitarian supply routes. Urgent needs are rising rapidly.
“The flooding has also increased the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and heightened intercommunal tensions in overcrowded displacement sites.”
OCHA reported that in Unity State, an Inter-Agency Rapid Needs Assessment conducted from August 27 to 29 in Mayendit County revealed that 58,436 individuals (9,740 households), representing 77% of the local population, have been affected.
Severe flooding resulted in the destruction of homes, farms, and maize crops, leading families to seek refuge on higher ground and in neighbouring counties, it said.
“Over 9,000 hectares of farmland were lost, exacerbating food insecurity. Most public infrastructure is non-functional, with health risks rising due to stagnant water, submerged roads, and threats from water animals. Local authorities and humanitarian partners are urgently calling for resource mobilisation.”
It was reported that over 40,000 people have been displaced in Ganyiel Town of Panyijiar County, which is now largely submerged.
“Families are sheltering in makeshift structures. Both roads and the airstrip are inaccessible, with canoes being the only means of transport. Flooding has wiped out farmland, washed away markets, and disrupted basic services, deepening malnutrition, especially among women and children.”
It noted that more than 12,000 people have been displaced in Koch County, with families taking shelter on higher ground in Koch, Thoria, Gany, Patit, and Kuachlual. Local authorities are appealing for urgent support.
“In Leer County, initial unverified reports suggest up to 16,000 households, around 50,000 individuals, may be affected. These figures are pending verification.”
According to OCHA, floods impacted about 650 households in Wau-Shilluk Payam, Malakal County of Upper Nile State, forcing families to higher ground.
“A rapid assessment conducted by an international NGO led to the distribution of shelter and non-food items. Rising water levels have also been reported in Panyikang, Akoka, Manyo, Ulang, and Nasir Counties, with further flooding anticipated,” it said.
“In Renk Town, flooding displaced an estimated 1,553 people, mostly returnees near Transit Centre-2. Some have since returned as water levels receded.”
It said that Local authorities in Jonglei State reported that flooding from heavy rains affected approximately 2,750 people in Nyirol County, destroying many homes.
It said there have been reports of snakebite-related deaths and a high prevalence of malaria among affected populations.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre forecasts above-average rainfall across most of South Sudan from 17–24 September, increasing flood risk in vulnerable areas—excluding Eastern Equatoria and northern Upper Nile.
From July to November, above-normal rainfall is expected, putting 1.6 million people at risk of flooding nationwide.
Peak flooding is anticipated between September and December, driven by upstream water releases from Uganda and Ethiopia.
High-risk areas include Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and parts of Central Equatoria.
