South Sudan Drowning: Floods Displace Nearly 1 Million, Trigger Hunger and Disease Crisis
Torrential rains and rising rivers have submerged large parts of South Sudan, displacing nearly one million people and sparking a humanitarian crisis marked by hunger, disease, and loss of livelihoods
- Floods submerge large parts of South Sudan, leaving thousands homeless
- Waterborne diseases and hunger spreading among displaced families
- Government and UN warn of worsening humanitarian disaster
Severe flooding across South Sudan has left nearly one million people battling hunger, disease, and displacement, as torrential rains and rising rivers continue to submerge vast areas of the country.
According to the UN and local officials, homes, farms, schools, and markets have been washed away, forcing families to flee for higher ground in search of food, clean water, and shelter.
In Jonglei State’s Pigi County, floodwaters as high as 1.5 meters have displaced about 40,000 residents, while in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, over 113,000 people have been affected, many suffering from malaria and waterborne diseases.
With markets and roads destroyed, food supplies are dwindling, and thousands of children are out of school. The government warns that up to 1.6 million people could be affected by year’s end if relief efforts are not scaled up.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says access challenges and funding shortfalls are hampering aid delivery, even as emergency teams restore basic services like hand pumps to reach isolated communities.
Despite flood levels being lower than previous years, humanitarian agencies warn the crisis remains well above historical averages, aggravated by ongoing conflict, poverty, and climate shocks.
