7 people die in Mayendit County floods worsen

JUBA – Authorities in South Sudan’s Unity state are saying that worsening floods in the state’s Mayendit County have killed at least seven people days after the ministry of petroleum ordered oil companies to construct dykes.

Gatluak Nyang, the Mayendit County commissioner said about 400 families have been displaced as results of the floods in the area saying rains have intensified in recent days there.

“We have confirmed 7 people have died due to drowning,” Nyang said Friday, according to the Juba-based Eye Radio, adding that 90 per cent of the whole Mayendit County is affected by floods.

“We are trying to control the flow of water from Mayendit because only 10 percent of our land is not covered by water. So, we are working hard to divert the water and protect the people,” he said.

“We registered 390 families who have been affected based on a survey conducted by humanitarian partners on the ground. These 390 families require food and shelter. They need mosquito nets and life-saving medication – especially treatment for waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.”