![An elderly mother holding hands with a young man crossing floodwater in Fangak County of Jonglei State. [Photo: files].](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1000034665.jpg?resize=579%2C404&ssl=1)
The victim, thought to be in her late 70s, reportedly drowned on Tuesday evening while trying to navigate a flooded area of the town.
Her body was recovered the next morning.
In an interview with Sudans Post on Thursday, Juach Arok Juach, Twic East County Commissioner, described the incident as a serious reminder of the risks associated with ongoing flooding in the region.
“She was trying to move across when the water overwhelmed her. Unfortunately, no one was around to rescue her in time,” Juach said.
Arok expressed condolences to the family in mourning and advised residents, particularly children and the elderly, to be very careful around floodwaters.
“If it were not for these stagnant waters, this life could have been spared,” Arok said.
He stated that his administration is implementing measures to manage the flooding and prevent additional incidents.
“This morning, residents reported that a woman had drowned. When the medical team went to retrieve her, she was already dead,” he added.
The deceased was buried in her home village, where family members and neighbors came together to pay their respects.
Humanitarian organizations operating in Jonglei State have repeatedly raised alarm over stagnant floodwaters, warning that they pose risks of accidental drowning and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
The tragedy happened just a few days before county authorities celebrated the arrival of a new water pumping machine donated by the international organization Migration, which they hope will help reduce the devastating impact of flooding in Panyagor.
Jonglei State is among the regions most affected by seasonal flooding in South Sudan, with heavy rains frequently destroying homes, displacing communities, and cutting off roads and farmland.
