Northern Bahr el Ghazal forms committee to address floods

AWEIL – The governor of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state Uber Ajonga has established a high-level committee to address widespread flooding in the region, according to a senior state government official.

Speaking to Sudans Post today, state information minister, Zechariah Garang Lual, said the 11-member committee, which includes himself, will identify flood-prone areas and develop strategies to assist affected residents.

“The objective of forming the committee is to map out areas that are seen as flood-prone zones and the recent rains have submerged most of the areas in Aweil South, East and North counties and that is why we are going to identify such areas,” Lual said.

The minister added that the committee will work with international partners to provide timely assistance to displaced people and raise awareness about flood risks.

“The international partners are going to liaise with us to respond timely to the needs of the internally displaced persons and will be conducting the weekly risk assessment, and create awareness on the flood risks,” he said.

Weather experts have warned that large parts of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, and Jonglei states are at risk of flooding and have urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground.