Worsening floods increase health risk in Jonglei state

JUBA – Severe flooding in South Sudan’s Jonglei state which has already affected an estimated 800,000 is posing a health risk to the population of the world’s youngest country.

The International Committee of Red Cross which is providing humanitarian aid in flood-affected areas in the restive Jonglei state reported that the devastating floods are hindering access, by the people there, to health services.

“Health facilities are flooded. Access to safe drinking water is compromised, increasing risks of diseases,” said Wolde Gabriel Saugeron, head of ICRC office in Bor.

The organization is extremely concerned about the increasing humanitarian needs in the state, Gabriel expressed.

“People have lost everything in the floods in Bor, they live in the open. Every dry spot that is left along roads or on elevated areas is occupied by a family. Many are fleeing Jonglei State to other parts of the country,” he explained.

The Head of ICRC in Bor said that many are getting hurt while trying to cross flooded areas with strong currents.

The humanitarian assistance is being delivered through Hagglund all-terrain vehicle.

According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, an estimated 856,000 people have been affected by flooding since July and close to 400,000 people have been displaced, with women and children most affected.