South Sudan is preparing to declare a national disaster after catastrophic floods have displaced nearly 200,000 people and caused extensive damage to essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. According to a report by Anadolu Agency, the floods, which began in July, have impacted over 772,000 people across 38 counties and the Abyei administrative area.
During an extraordinary Cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Council of Ministers approved the disaster declaration for flood-affected regions. President Kiir is expected to issue the formal declaration soon.
Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, Dr. Jacob Maiju Korok, revealed that the floods have ravaged several states, including Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap, and Northern Bahr El Ghazal, affecting both people and livestock. The government confirmed approximately 198,000 people have been displaced.
The Cabinet’s decision followed a recommendation by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, who emphasized the need to declare a disaster to facilitate international relief efforts.
Korok noted that while both government and humanitarian agencies are working to address the crisis, the peak of the flooding is expected in November, adding to the urgency of the situation. Many communities are struggling to cope as rains persist and the scale of devastation grows.
