JUBA – More than 40 households have been left homeless after a devastating wildfire swept through Lozoh Payam in Mundri East County on February 23, destroying homes, property, and food supplies, and leaving dozens of families exposed to harsh weather conditions.
The fire, fueled by dry seasonal grasses and strong winds, spread rapidly across residential areas, reducing entire homes to ashes within a short period. Residents say they were caught off guard as the flames moved quickly from one house to another.
Simon Nimaya, a community leader in Lozoh Payam, described the incident as a tragic accident but said the impact on families has been catastrophic.
“Most people were at home when the fire started, but they were helpless. The flames were too strong to control,” Nimaya said. “We tried our best, but without equipment or water nearby, it was impossible to stop.”
He added that several elderly residents were nearly trapped inside their burning houses and had to be rescued by neighbours.
According to Nimaya, the dry season and the presence of thick, uncut grasses around homes significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
“We blame the unburnt grasses surrounding the houses. During the dry season, if the area is not cleared, it becomes extremely dangerous,” he explained.
Another local source, James Laku, a youth leader from Singiriwa Boma under Lozoh Payam, confirmed the scale of destruction and said many families lost everything, including clothing, bedding, and household utensils.
“Some families escaped with only the clothes they were wearing. Food items and harvests stored in houses were destroyed,” Laku said.
The wildfire also affected nearby areas, including Singiriwa Boma, where parts of the farmland were burned. This has raised concerns about food security in the coming months, especially for families who rely on subsistence farming.
Currently, displaced families are sleeping in the open without proper shelter.
Community leaders fear that exposure to cold nights may lead to outbreaks of respiratory infections and other illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly.
“They are left in the open cold. Children and elderly people are at high risk if urgent assistance does not come,” Nimaya stressed.
Local leaders say they have written to authorities in Western Equatoria State and appealed to humanitarian organisations for immediate support.
However, at the time of filing this report, no assistance had reached the affected families.
The most urgent needs include tarpaulins, blankets, cooking utensils, clothing, and other non-food items to help families rebuild their lives.
Community leaders are now calling on the state government, humanitarian partners, and well-wishers to intervene swiftly to prevent further suffering and restore hope to the affected families.
