More than 18,000 people in the disputed territory of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan have been impacted and displaced by floods, the UN has announced.
The Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a press release on an update on Abyei on Thursday, that the region was facing a critical situation compounded by existing food insecurity and disease outbreaks.
The press release quoted Dujarric citing a report by the Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
It also quoted Dujarric citing reports that the peacekeeping mission (UNISFA) and the UN Country team had intensified their efforts to support communities following heavy rains that caused flooding.
“Colleagues from the UN Peacekeeping Mission have constructed four channels in Abyei town to facilitate water flow and help those trapped by floodwaters move to safety.
“They are also rehabilitating roads to improve access for humanitarian assistance and to enable some displaced families to return to their homes,” the press release reads.
“Additionally, the Mission is distributing essential supplies to those in need, and those supplies include food, include mosquito nets, clothing, and hygiene products, and we continue to foster dialogue with local women,” it further reads.