Large swaths of Uror County in Jonglei state are submerged in fresh floodwaters, leaving thousands of residents displaced, a local official said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the weekend, Machot Gatluak Kenyjak, Uror County Commissioner, said the floods-stricken residents in parts of the county have since been displaced to schools and churches without food.
“These floods are coming from deserts of Pibor, the side of Upper Nile, and heavy rains, displacing people and destroying their livelihoods,” Machot said.
“In the county headquarters, Yuai town, and the surrounding villages, about 4, 32 people are displaced; Motot Payam has 618 displaced people, 228 people in Pathai Payam, Wickol Payam with 366 displaced people, Pieri Payam 1, 140 people displaced while Pulchuol Payam has 426 displaced, 678 displaced in Padiek respectively.”
The local official appealed for aid.
A resident of Yuai town, Gatluak Bol, said they could not go about livelihoods businesses because of the floods.
“Floods have affected me a lot. For example, I went to Muotdit two days ago, and the floodwaters were above my knee on the way. Even my home here in the town is affected,” he said.
For his part, Gatwang Jiok Thiang, the county Relief and Rehabilitation Commission coordinator, also appealed to aid agencies to come to their aid, saying a rapid county assessment disclosed that the displaced lack food, shelter, and bedding materials.
He also advised local residents to build dyke to mitigate the flood impacts.