Local authorities in Duk County of Jonglei State have appealed for humanitarian intervention for the flood-displaced residents who started arriving in the drylands of the Gadiang area on January 2.
John Chatim, the Duk County commissioner, told Radio Tamzuj Tuesday that hundreds of the flood victims lack food and shelter since arriving over a month ago.
“For months, we have been appealing to those stranded in floodwaters to relocate,” Chatim said. “So, since January 2, more than 1000 people stranded in floodwaters in parts of the county started arriving in Gadiang without food, medicines, shelter, and clean water.”
A representative of the flood-displaced group, Deng Aleer, appealed to the government and aid agencies to intervene saying they had gone hungry for a month.
“Our situation is not good. We have nothing at hand and we are patiently waiting for aid agencies to assist us,” he said.
For his part, Anei Bol Anei, the county Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator, called on the aid agencies to come to the aid of the flood victims.
“As of yesterday, the number of the arrivals increased and they came from Payuel, Panyang, Padiet, and Poktap which are flooded and in the water. No aid can be taken there,” Bol said. “Children under 5 were 88, 105 women and 2000 boys and men. We appeal for help because the challenge in Gadiang is that there is no communication network and they lack food, water, and shelter.”
Last month, the Duk County officials said the situation was deteriorating as residents go hungry after humanitarian agencies scaled-down activities due to security concerns.