UN: South Sudan Floods Impact 893,000, Displace Over 241,000

The United Nations’ humanitarian agency, OCHA, has reported that severe flooding in South Sudan has affected approximately 893,000 people, with over 241,000 displaced.

According to the agency’s update, 42 out of the country’s 78 counties, along with the disputed Abyei Administrative Area, have been impacted by the disaster. Unity and Warrap states in the north have been hit hardest, accounting for more than 40% of the affected population.

OCHA said that more than 241,000 people from 16 counties and the Abyei area have been forced to seek shelter on higher ground.

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with ongoing instability, violence, economic challenges, and climate-related disasters, including droughts and floods.

The World Bank also noted that as of September, over 797,000 refugees have fled Sudan into South Sudan, with nearly 80% being South Sudanese returnees. Additionally, the country faces further delays in its political transition, as elections initially planned for December under a 2018 peace deal have been postponed for another two years.