Experts warn of worsening flooding in South Sudan, with September and October expected to be the worst on record. Since late 2023, large areas of the country have been submerged, affecting around 710,000 people across 30 of its 78 counties, according to the UN. Social media posts show locals constructing dikes with minimal resources to protect their villages.
South Sudan, historically prone to flooding from the Nile, has faced unprecedented levels since late 2019, worsened by climate change. This year, heavy rains and dam openings in Uganda are likely to exacerbate the situation.
In Old Fangak, Jonglei state, Comboni missionary Father Pedro Salvador Matteo laments the lack of preparation and resources, noting that local youth are manually reinforcing dikes to protect their town. Similar concerns are echoed in Unity State, where flooding has destroyed crops and authorities are working to reinforce dikes around main towns to manage displaced populations.
John Juan Buom, head of Unity State’s humanitarian efforts, warns that while reinforcing dikes is crucial, it will lead to overcrowding and strain on basic services, potentially causing epidemics and shortages in schools and medicines. With food distributions ending on September 15, he is urging authorities and the UN to secure additional funds to support flood-affected regions.