Gov’t declares national disaster in flood-affected areas

JUBA – South Sudan has declared a national disaster in flood-affected areas across the country.

The declaration came after torrential rains in Upper Nile and Bahr el Ghazal regions displaced thousands and destroyed homes and crops.

Speaking to reporters following a cabinet meeting on Friday in Juba, Michael Makuei Lueth, Information Minister said most parts of the areas in Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile are underwater.

“It was decided as of today that South Sudan should declare all the flooded areas as national disaster areas,” Makuei told reporters.

Makuei appealed to South Sudanese, well-wishers,s and humanitarian partners to assist flood-victims.

“From here we made an appeal to indigenous people of South Sudan to the region, and to the international community to come to the rescue for these people who are in flood-affected areas in South Sudan,” Makuei said.

“We appeal to them to contribute in any way possible whether in-kind or in-cash. We appeal to them all to come to the rescue of these people who are in flood-affected areas, added Makuei.

Makuei said the floods have displaced thousands of people and claimed hundreds of lives in the Upper and Bahr el Ghazal regions.

“It is true some of them are trying to live with water but nevertheless, living with water means you need other things also like medicines,” he said.

“Most of the people are now suffering from snake bits and so it is decided that these areas should be visited and reports are made.”

South Sudan has experienced extreme flooding over the past three years with more than 800,000 people affected last year alone.

Since the beginning of the rainy season in May, flooding in some parts of the country has forced some health centers to close and stranded populations, leaving them vulnerable to water-borne diseases and snake bits.