Flood leaves five people dead in Old Fangak as humanitarian situation deteriorates

One of the affected residents says five people, including elderly individuals and two children, have died in recent days

By Chuol Chanyong

In a scene that reflects a multi-layered humanitarian disaster, devastating floods have claimed the lives of at least five civilians in Old Fangak, Jonglei State.

Area residents raised alarm of a humanitarian vacuum, following the withdrawal of international organizations months ago after a military bombardment that forced the MSF Medical team to suspend operations.

According to Liem George Biliu, an affected resident, the displaced from Old Fangak are now sheltering in the nearby town of Paguir.

He said the community has been struggling with the seasonal flooding for nearly five years.

“We used to rely on dykes to stop the waters. Even when it’s broken, youth always repaired it. But this recent flood was too strong and covered the entire area,” he said.

“By evening, the whole town was submerged, forcing residents to flee to higher grounds such as Toch Paguir and Kuernyang, or to swampy areas known as (Tuoch) for fishing,” said George, describing the survival method requiring boats and nets that are not available to everyone.

However, George stressed that the real killer is not the flooding but the impact of its aftermath, which has caused famine.

“From August 30 to September 3, we lost five people, including elderly individuals and two children. Many are sick in the floodwaters, but hunger is the main cause of suffering and death.”

He noted that the response has been minimal and temporary.

The local government provided a few boats and used fuel donated by organizations to transport people to safer areas.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) offered assistance on the first day but informed the community the next day that their work had ended.

“Until now, there have been no attempts to save or rebuild the town. The situation is dire. People seem to be waiting until March, when the water may recede. No actor is providing real support, leaving the city to its fate,” George explained.

Today, Old Fangak remains submerged with limited rescue or recovery efforts. Humanitarian organizations capable of providing food, medicine, and shelter are absent.

Prices of local commodities have also gone up, with a three kilogram (3kgs) of sorghum costing SSP 85,000, which is not affordable for most people.