Thousands of people are without assistance in South Sudan’s Bieh State after heavy floods damaged houses and properties, local officials said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, the deputy state governor, Nyang Lul Gai said heavy rains occurred in Waat town and surrounding villages, leaving several civilians without shelters, foods and medicines.
Gai warned of looming hunger in the greater Lou areas, adding that similar floods occurred in June and submerged several farmlands.
“It has been raining continuously since the last week of July and there was water coming from highland areas in Boma and Equatoria. The entire state is flooded and even offices are submerged in floodwaters. Local residents are in dire needs,” he said.
On his part, the deputy mayor of Waat town, Tut Gatkuoth Panom said at least 5,000 homes were submerged and destroyed by rains.
“Within Waat town, more than 500 homes collapsed in floodwaters. Those residents are now living in the open,” he explained.
The deputy mayor warned of the possible outbreak of water-borne diseases in the rainy season, saying health facilities lack medicines.
Meanwhile, the Pading county commissioner, Makuei Puok said an estimated 2,500 families have been displaced from their homes to the highland areas in Leek, Guer, Wenyal, Kep and Paniou counties.
He appealed to the national government and aid agencies operating in the country to assess the situation and support flood victims.
In June, authorities in Bieh, Fangak and Jonglei states reported that floods had displaced thousands of people and farmlands were submerged in floodwaters after weeks of torrential rains.
According to reports from aid agencies, more than half of the country’s population will face acute food shortage by end of year.