South Sudan: Flooding Situation Flash Update No. 2 (As of 5 September 2024)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • As of September 5, flooding has affected more than 710,000 people across 30 of 78 counties in South Sudan and the Abyei Administrative Area (AAA).
  • Floods have caused extensive damage to homes, crops and critical infrastructure, disrupting education and health services and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
  • From 2 to September 3, a high-level consultation meeting was held on implementing the 2024 flood preparedness and response plan in Juba.
  • The UN and its partner distributed food rations targeting over 25,000 flood-affected people in Fangak County, Jonglei State.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

As of September 5, flooding has affected more than 710,000 people across 30 of 78 counties and the Abyei Administrative Area, worsening an already critical humanitarian situation marked by severe food insecurity, economic decline, continued conflict, disease outbreaks and the repercussions of the Sudan conflict. Jonglei, Unity and Warrap states have reported the highest numbers of affected locations and populations. Since May, floods have caused extensive damage to homes, crops and critical infrastructure, disrupting education and health services and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

As of September 3, floods have displaced over 15,000 people in Fangak County. Registration and verification for WASH and non-food item responses are ongoing. A rapid needs assessment on September 3 reported that more than 3,600 flood-displaced individuals from Fangak in Jonglei State had recently arrived in Tonga, Panyikang County, Upper Nile State, with more people arriving daily. While some stay in the town, others have relocated to higher ground designated by local authorities. The most urgent needs include medical care, protection services, shelter, and non-food items.

In Unity State, escalating floods in Mayom County are forcing entire communities to relocate, leaving behind livestock. In Mayendit, nine out of 13 counties are affected, while in Rotriak, Rubkona County, assessments reveal extensive damage to shelters, infrastructure, and critical services. The situation is heightening protection risks and public health concerns, as flooding of WASH facilities has led to widespread open defecation and stagnant water accumulation. In Pochalla County (27–29 August), an assessment found around 3,500 people affected by flooding in Otallo, Akoy, Adong, and Akiela payams. Urgent needs include food, shelter, non-food items, WASH materials, emergency health kits, and protection services. An NGO has reported adequate nutrition supplies to meet current needs.

In Upper Nile State, an assessment in Maiwut Centre, Pagak, and Jekow payams of Maiwut County identified about 24,000 people affected by the floods. Their immediate needs are shelter, non-food items, health services, and WASH materials. On September 3, floods in Maban County caused significant damage to homes, crops and breached dykes, leaving roads in the area impassable.

Over the past two weeks, flash floods in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have displaced over 198,000 people across five counties, with more than 50,000 relocated to higher ground. In Aweil East and Aweil South, assessments reported severe infrastructure damage affecting 70,000 people, and the situation is expected to worsen with additional rainfall. WASH services remain the most urgent need for those sheltering in higher areas.

In the Abyei Administrative Area, heavy rains have significantly disrupted the main supply route in southern Abyei, obstructing humanitarian access and delaying deliveries. Two trucks carrying 5 MT of essential medical supplies from Wau to Abyei Hospital have been stranded for days, further exacerbating the crisis.

In Eastern Equatoria State, over 18,000 people across four payams in Lafon County are affected by floods. At least eight health facilities have been damaged, with seven forced to close. Homes, water points, and eight schools have been submerged, impacting thousands of children’s education.

In Central Equatoria State, the Flood Task Force visited Terekeka County on August 30 to assess the flood response. An estimated 8,500 people in six payams have been displaced, many with little or no household belongings, relying on relatives and friends for shelter. The floods have destroyed 113 acres of farmland, and schools remain closed, affecting the education of numerous children.

From 2 to September 3, a high-level consultation in Juba reviewed the 2024 flood preparedness and response plan under the theme “Disaster Unity: Saving Lives, Building Resilient Communities for a Sustainable Future.” The meeting, attended by H.E. Mama Nyandeng De Mabior, Vice President of South Sudan, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, other government ministers, and key humanitarian leaders, emphasized the need for a unified understanding of the crisis, clear priorities, and well-defined roles. The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan called for coordinated action to address the escalating disaster.