Thousands of residents in Twic East County of Jonglei State are in dire humanitarian conditions after heavy floods cut off the county from the rest of the state.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Executive Director for Twic East Deng Gak said more than 50,000 people from parts of the county have been left homeless without access to basic services.
He pointed out that the prices of goods have dramatically increased as the area has been cut off by floods, leaving those displaced vulnerable.
“In Pakeer Payam, 4,338 residents have been displaced to Patiou area, 3,720 people left Achuoth Payam for Palou while in the area of Nyuak, 21,072 people left their homes for Wangolei and other higher grounds. Also, 21,240 in Lith areas and surrounding villages have been displaced to Panyagoor town and other areas. The displaced people lack food and shelter,” Gak said.
He added, “Cases of malaria and pneumonia are also on the rise. With time, we will run out of drugs because our area is inaccessible. Commercial flights are operating, but a one-way ticket between Juba and Panyagoor increased from 30,000 SSP to 50,000 SSP before floods.”
The local official said hundreds of children in Panyagoor town are without parental care after they were separated from their parents in surrounding villages due to floods.
He urged the national government and aid agencies to intervene.
Last month, South Sudan’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) warned that thousands of people displaced by floods and conflict could face serious food shortages if not supported.
In May, experts warned that most parts of South Sudan will be hard hit by floods from June to September.