Authorities have confirmed that Paloc, Thonaduel and Atiaba payams and parts of Panawac in Rumbek East County of Lakes State have been submerged by floods.
County Commissioner Mangar Machuol told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the tragedy followed heavy rainfall.
“It is a concern of everyone and I called on the payam administrators and the community leaders to talk about what we are going to do,” he said.
Machuol talked of the challenges arising from the fact the higher grounds were preferred by the cattle keepers, while the now flooded lower areas were under cultivation.
“We have to devise a strategy on how to cater for the cattle keepers in case of the evacuation to the higher grounds,” he said, disclosing that the issue was the main agenda for their Thursday meeting.
Machuol identified most of the higher lands as bordering Mvolo, Wulu, and Yirol West.
The Commissioner explained that he had earlier met the community leaders, who had taken the initiative and formed committees to build dykes to prevent the flooding, especially in Rumbek town.
He said the Gelwong youth were part of the Thursday meeting to encourage their active participation in combating the disaster.
A local resident, Sultan Taban Malual, acknowledged that the Commissioner had called a meeting to strategize on how to mitigate against the possible displacement of the populations.