Jonglei State Governor Denay Jock Chagor on Wednesday called for help to avert a humanitarian crisis due to the combined effect of devastating floods and inter-communal violence in the state.

Thousands of people have been marooned by floods in parts of Jonglei, with Bor and Twic East counties the worst affected as families are forced to move to higher grounds.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Governor Denay said there is a humanitarian crisis in the state as thousands of people have been displaced from their homes by floods.

 “As we speak now, people are in swamps. People are trying to move to higher grounds, so the humanitarian situation is dire,” said Denay. “My message to the people of Jonglei is that we need peace and unity so that peace dividends reach everyone.”

The official appealed to the national government and aid agencies operating in the country to intervene.

On Wednesday, President Salva Kiir declared a three-month state of emergency in the restive state of Jonglei and Pibor Administrative Area due to the ongoing inter-communal violence and the dire humanitarian situation there.

Two killed by floods

Two people have died in floodwaters that have forced a large number of people to leave their homes in Bor town of Jonglei on Saturday, a local official said.

John Makuei, the public health deputy director for Bor municipality, said the two bodies were found in Hai Fangak and Achegdiir areas.

“A man in Achengdiir was swiped away by floodwaters as he tried to cross to the other side. Also, a woman was found drowned in floodwaters in Hai Fangak,” Makuei told Radio Tamazuj.

Makuei said the displaced families in Bor are at risk for waterborne diseases.