JUBA – Massive floods have devastated parts of Jonglei State in South Sudan, leaving 22,000 families without shelter and access to clean drinking water, a local official said on Tuesday.
Michael Mading Akueth, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Jonglei State, told Sudans Post on Tuesday that floods have displaced 22,000 families after heavy rain pounded parts of the state this week.
“Approximately 18,000–22,000 individuals displaced across the affected counties,” said Mading.
Mading highlighted that the flooding has rendered schools and hospitals inaccessible, affecting both children and patients in need of care.
According to Mading, several homes and farmlands are submerged in the water in Bor South, Twic East, Duk, and parts of Ayod and Fangak, cutting access to basic services like health.
He disclosed that most of the displaced are now sheltering in schools, churches, and elevated areas.
“Thousands of households have been displaced due to the heavy flooding in low-lying areas across Bor South, Twic East, Duk, and parts of Ayod and Fangak counties,” he added.
Mading stated that the recent assessments carried out by the RRC in partnership with humanitarian partners indicate rising cases of waterborne diseases in some areas, linked to stagnant water and poor sanitation.
“We are working to mobilize emergency support, including food assistance, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) supplies, and temporary shelters for the most affected.
He appealed for Juba-based agencies and international partners to urgently provide humanitarian assistance to displaced families.
He further emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address the issue of floods.
“Our next step is also to strengthen flood early warning systems and community preparedness mechanisms and seek donor support for medium- to long-term flood resilience projects, particularly for flood-prone counties.”
He reiterated their continued commitment to work closely with humanitarian actors, civil society, and development partners to ensure a coordinated, timely, and people-centered response.
With the situation worsening, there is growing frustration among the flood victims, who are calling for immediate government and international assistance to address their urgent health and humanitarian needs. Without swift intervention, the crisis in Jonglei State is likely to escalate further.
