South Sudan faces looming flood disaster, warns MSF

JUBA – South Sudan is facing a potentially catastrophic flood season, with heavy rains and rising water levels threatening to displace millions and exacerbate a dire humanitarian crisis, medical aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned on Thursday.

The country is highly vulnerable to flooding, and the upcoming rainy season is expected to be worse than usual, with increased rainfall and water releases from Lake Victoria posing a significant risk.

“We are extremely concerned about the potential impact of these floods,” said Joe Aumuller, MSF epidemiologist activity manager. “The consequences for people already struggling with food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to healthcare could be devastating.”

Over 5.4 million people are expected to be affected by flooding this year, according to the World Bank, with the potential for widespread displacement, crop damage, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Malnutrition rates among children are already alarmingly high, and the floods could further worsen the situation, increasing the risk of death and long-term health problems.

“Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of flooding and malnutrition,” said an MSF spokesperson. “We are seeing alarming rates of malnutrition in some areas, and the floods could make things much worse.”

MSF is calling for urgent action to prepare for the floods and mitigate their impact, including early warning systems, disaster preparedness plans, and increased humanitarian aid.