The government of South Sudan’s Bieh State has warned of looming hunger after heavy rains flooded some parts of the state.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, information minister, Peter Nin Tut said weeks of heavy rains cut off access to Greater Uror County.
He pointed out that several houses were destroyed by the heavy downpours, forcing families to seek shelter in school premises.
“The areas of Motot (Palkeer), Padiek, Pieri, Wickol, Pulchuol, Motdit and Pathai are flooded and it is very difficult for the state to handle such a situation,”Tut said.
He added, “Of course, there is displacement, but we do not have the exact statistics. As of Monday, according to the report we received, hundreds of houses were destroyed and over 1,000 people were displaced. Farms were destroyed and people have stopped cultivating because the area is flooded”.
The official warned that the humanitarian situation in the Greater Uror County may worsen and appealed to humanitarian agencies in the country to access the area and aid those affected.
According to a report released by South Sudan government and three United Nations agencies last week, about seven million people – more than half of the country's population – are facing severe hunger.
A lack of rain, ongoing economic crisis and years of civil war are being blamed for the worsening situation.