Heavy floods force thousands of Mayom residents out of their homes

JUBA – Heavy floods have forced thousands of residents in Mayom County of Unity State to leave their homes amid harsh humanitarian conditions, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In a statement released on Thursday, OCHA said escalating floods in Mayom County forced entire communities to relocate, leaving behind livestock. It said nine out of 13 counties in Unity State have been devastated by floods.

“In Mayendit, nine out of 13 counties are affected, while in Rotriak, Rubkona County, assessments reveal extensive damage to shelters, infrastructure, and critical services,” it said.

The situation is heightening protection risks and public health concerns, as flooding of WASH facilities has led to widespread open defecation and stagnant water accumulation.

An assessment conducted between August 27-29 in Pochalla County of Greater Pibor Administrative Area revealed that around 3,500 people have been badly affected by flooding in Otallo, Akoy, Adong, and Akiela payams.

“Urgent needs include food, shelter, non-food items, WASH materials, emergency health kits, and protection services. An NGO has reported adequate nutrition supplies to meet current needs,” OCHA said.

A similar assessment carried out in Upper Nile State indicated that 24,000 people have been displaced by floods in Maiwut Centre, Pagak, and Jekow payams of Maiwut County.

OCHA called for immediate intervention to rescue the situation. It said their needs include shelter, non-food items, health services, and WASH materials.

The floods in Maban County caused significant damage to homes, crops, and breached dykes, leaving roads in the area impassable.