High-level team visits flood-hit South Sudan state

BENTIU – A high-level government delegation arrived in Unity State on Tuesday to assess the impact of devastating floods and discuss response measures.

The team, led by National Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Pal Mai Deng, includes representatives from the humanitarian affairs ministry, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Hope Restoration South Sudan.

The group was met by Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top and his deputy.

“I am aware of the current flooding situation, but we need to hear which mechanism tools to be used to control this current flooding situation that is why I am here today,” Deng said.

The minister pledged to provide equipment to help control the floods.

“Your ministry together with support from humanitarian you are seeing will provide tools and excavators after finding your complaints and your suggestions toward this floods control before it worsen,” he added.

Unity State Deputy Governor Tor Tunguar Kueiguong called for urgent assistance, requesting 24 excavators and 16 trucks to build flood defenses in seven counties.

“I loudly requested national ministry of water resources and irrigation and United Nations mission in South Sudan UNMISS to provide 24 excavators and 16 truckers to construct permanent berms in seven counties of unity state,” he said.

The team is visiting flood-affected areas, including Panyijiar County, where rising waters have submerged several previously unaffected islands.