Floods displace hundreds in Northern Bahr el Ghazal

JUBA – Local residents have shared harrowing experiences resulting from worsening flood conditions, particularly in areas like Mayen-ulem and Wathok Road, which have been severely affected by heavy downpours across Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

Some residents recounted incidents such as vehicles veering off roads, leading to fatalities within the community.

“A Sudanese man died on Friday while traveling to Aweil on the Nyamlel highway in Aweil West County. The road has been severely damaged by heavy rains,” said Garang Kiir, a youth from Wadwill in Aweil West County.

He added that the road connecting Wathok and Wadwill has already been cut off, with numerous domestic farms also being destroyed.

Kiir likened the situation caused by the heavy rains to animals wallowing in mud. “People are there like pigs that enjoy being in the mud. It’s desperate,” he warned.

Bol Bol, a resident of Achana in Gom-juer West Payam, described the extent of the damage as significant.

“People are being displaced. They are moving to higher or flat areas, but some don’t have relatives to welcome them. The situation is difficult to describe,” Bol said.

He called on the authorities to expedite efforts to support the vulnerable population affected by the floods.

Speaking on Miraya FM on Saturday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Albino Akol Atak said mitigation measures are being initiated through task forces that have been formed to spearhead flood mitigation efforts through early warning systems.

“We are here to inform everyone to move to higher ground. The second phase involves responding through the verification of the actual beneficiaries, such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, among others,” he said.

“We will take action once partners and local authorities confirm that they are genuinely vulnerable,” he added.

He concluded by emphasizing that it is a national responsibility for everyone to assist the displaced groups. However, he urged people to first move to higher ground if their area is deemed susceptible to flooding.

Akol added that international partners and the government are earmarking funds to be allocated to flood-affected internally displaced persons (IDPs).