South Sudan to declare national disaster as floods devastate communities

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - South Sudan is poised to declare a national disaster as catastrophic floods have ravaged large parts of the country, displacing nearly 200,000 people and causing widespread destruction to essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

In an extraordinary Cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday, the Council of Ministers approved the disaster declaration for flood-affected areas. President Kiir is expected to issue the formal order soon, following the Cabinet’s endorsement.

Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, Dr. Jacob Maiju Korok, confirmed that the flooding, which began in July, has affected more than 772,000 people across 38 counties and the Abyei administrative area. Out of those, approximately 198,000 have been confirmed as displaced.

"The floods have impacted both people and animals, with significant damage to schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure in states like Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and Abyei," Korok told reporters after the meeting.

Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Minister Albino Akol Atak had earlier urged the Cabinet to recommend the disaster declaration, which was unanimously approved. The move will enable South Sudan to mobilize resources from international donors to aid in relief efforts.

Korok emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that while government and humanitarian partners are already responding to the crisis, the peak of the flooding is expected in November.

The devastating floods continue to pose a severe challenge to the nation, where many communities are struggling to cope with the aftermath as rains persist.