Flooding has forced over 100,000 people from their homes across South Sudan’s most vulnerable states, hitting communities already battling renewed conflict and food shortages, according to UNHCR briefing notes. Waters have swamped large parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity states in recent weeks. Many families were already on the run from fighting that started up again in February.
These areas are still trying to bounce back from terrible floods in 2022 and don’t have enough food. The worst flooding usually happens between September and October, which could trap whole communities and make hunger worse. If the waters keep rising, up to 400,000 people might lose their homes by December – more than last year’s flood victims.
Floodwater has ruined homes, schools, clinics, and farms, killing off livestock and poisoning wells. The disaster raises the chance of new disease outbreaks on top of a cholera epidemic that has already sickened over 12,000 displaced people and 3,100 refugees. “Stagnant water, combined with poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water, is increasing the risk of further disease outbreaks,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR’s representative in South Sudan.
UNHCR wants to help 150,000 of the worst-hit flood victims with cash, emergency shelters, and plastic sheets for damaged homes. Workers are also bringing in water pumps and fixing flood barriers. But money problems have forced the agency to cut back operations in Unity State, where 70 percent of the land sits underwater.
The agency has received only a third of the $300 million it needs for South Sudan this year. Without more international help, UNHCR can only reach one in three people who will likely lose their homes to flooding. The country already hosts over 589,000 refugees while dealing with nearly 2 million displaced citizens of its own.
