Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has appealed to scholars and geology experts to study the suspected volcanic eruption at Isuhak Boma, Hatire Payam of Ikotos County.
His call follows a heavy downpour and a suspected eruption around Himuhuny stream in Sesere Village on July 4 that led to the deaths of thousands of fish and the destruction of farms downstream.
Lojore and a section of his Cabinet inspected the site of the suspected eruption on the eve of the South Sudan Independence Day.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, local residents recounted witnessing emerging hot springs whose water was brownish and which made the soils greasy.
Speaking at Hatire, Governor Lojore said they got the information that there was an eruption accompanied by heavy rains and winds and the emerging hot springs, whose waters killed fish after draining into the Hatire stream.
The Governor recounted the locals talking of a previously a small stream whose clear waters meandered through a swampy area. The villagers also talked of the mass death of fish in the Hatire stream.
“We want this thing to be investigated and I am therefore calling on the National Government, particularly the Ministry of Petroleum and the scientist, to step in,” he said.
The Governor advised the local resident to avoid farming too close to the stream as more rains were still expected. He promised to work with partners to assist the local populations.
Delphina Tobiolo, whose crops were destroyed, appealed to the government and aid organization to come to the rescue of the people.
The Hatire Payam Head Chief, Abraham Thomas Loboi, said most farms near that stream were affected
“Some gardens and orchards were washed away and people were now very worried,” Loboi said.
