South Sudan has been in a protracted crisis characterized by recurrent natural disasters, conflict, food shortages and a breakdown of livelihoods for several years. Currently South Sudan is experiencing severe catastrophic flooding across the country, caused by torrential rains and rising water levels around Lake Victoria, one of Africa's Great East Africa Lakes. The heavy rain around Lake Victora has brought a significant flow of water downstream towards South Sudan. This coupled with heavy rainfall across South Sudan has resulted in massive, large-scale flooding. The floods in South Sudan have generated excess water that has caused a wide swampy flooded area along the river Nile path, causing severe flooded plains passing through the Sudd region of South Sudan and several other parts of the country.
The floods have caused widespread devastation and affected key infrastructure; causing submerged roads, disrupted education and health services and increased the risk of diseases.
Many South Sudanese families have lost their homes and assets and more than half a million Sudanese refugees and returnees from South Sudan are also affected (BBC). The affected are currently seeking refuge on higher ground where there is restricted physical access.
According to UNOCHA, flooding has affected 1.4 million people (OCHA, 15, November 2024) spread across 22 counties including Abyei. On 3rd October 2024, the South Sudan Council of Ministers endorsed the declaration of a state of emergency in flood affected States (OCHA). The government of South Sudan has committed USD 76 million (28% of the total amount needed) for immediate mitigation and flood preparedness actions.
Effects of Flooding
The floods have destroyed vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and other communication network. This in some areas has isolated flood affected populations, making it difficult for humanitarian agencies to access the affected communities.
Supply Routes
The heavy rainfall and flooding have rendered 15 key supply routes impassable, restricting physical access and preventing access to essential public services and commodities. The delivery of essential humanitarian support to those who have fled to higher ground is also affected (BBC).
Health
There has been a substantial rise in cholera cases due to limited access to clean water and sanitation. Stagnant waters have bred malaria causing mosquitoes, further worsening vulnerabilities among the flood affected communities, internally displaced persons and refugees.
Severe flooding has compounded the health crisis in South Sudan. The World Health Organization (WHO) in coordination with other partner organizations, continues to monitor the health impacts of floods in South Sudan with a focus on preventing vector and water borne diseases. Within the affected states the World Health Organization is also coordinating the flood response to ensure emergency health assistance reaches the people in need.
Food Security, Livelihoods and Shelter
The floods have devastated farmlands and destroyed crops. The floods have destroyed people's homes and disrupted livelihoods and supply chains, hindering access to markets and services. Flooding combined with conflict could result in famine in early 2025 (Save the Children).
Need Assessments
An inter agency rapid needs assessment that consulted communities in Aweil East and Aweil South in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, found that essential services are disrupted by the floods, with fifty- eight health facilities, 103 water points and 127 schools damaged. Over 53,100 farmers and cattle keepers lost crops and livestock. In Unity State, a rapid needs assessment in Koch County heavy rains submerged classrooms in 11 schools in Ganyiel.1
The needs assessments conducted recommend a pressing necessity to provide immediate lifesaving help to the affected communities, internally displaced persons and refugees.
To minimize loss of lives and to ensure that the needs of vulnerable persons are met there is a recommendation to provide food, safe drinking water, shelter and basic non-food items (Shelter & NFIs).
There is also a need to restore of food security and livelihood activities; provide early recovery support and restore health, nutrition and education services (EiE) while creating a peaceful co- existence among affected persons.
Protection through awareness raising, psychosocial support and Gender Based Violence initiatives are also important for women and girls and other vulnerable groups in displaced camps.