South Sudan is on the brink of humanitarian catastrophe as impending floods are projected to impact millions of citizens, warned Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Akol, who briefed the heads of state regarding the humanitarian situation in South Sudan on Wednesday, stated that the crisis is expected to peak between September and October, when severe flooding will likely displace millions of people.
Areas particularly at risk include Lakes, Western Equatoria, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, and Unity states.
To mitigate the flood’s impact, Minister Akol stated that the government I taking proactive steps, including the the construction of additional dykes and water channels to reduce water flow in the affected areas.
“The government is preparing mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which are expected to affect millions of people across the country, particularly in Lakes State, Western Equatoria, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Unity State, and other regions,” Akol said.
He said the floods is also expected to affect refugees who fled the war in Sudan.
In response, President Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the affected populations, directing government institutions to develop critical policies to mitigate the crisis, appealing to international donors for early assistance.
This looming crisis comes as South Sudan already faces one of its worst humanitarian situations since independence, exacerbated by both internal unrest and regional instability.
The impact of heavy rainfall is already being felt. In the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, floods have destroyed over 100 households and farmlands, forcing families to flee their homes.
“The flooding has displaced the residents in villages of Pochala, South County, and most of the farmlands have been destroyed, making the lives of the displaced dire,” said Jacob Werchum Juok, minister of Information for Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
