Upper Nile State forms taskforce to support flood-affected communities
By Correspondent
Upper Nile State has formed a taskforce to support people living in flood-prone areas, the State Minister of Information has said.
According to Peter Ngugo, the move was made following a warning issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of potential flooding in areas along the Nile River due to rising water levels.
The taskforce includes representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies.
The minister noted that some parts of Malakal, Fashoda, and Panyikang counties have already experienced flooding. The taskforce provides support such as food and shelter to those affected, as well as relocation to higher ground.
“In collaboration with our partners, we are providing them with assistance such as shelters. Some have already left the areas, and some have been evacuated to higher grounds, especially in Malakal County.”
“We are also offering them food because the rains have affected their farms and produce,” he added.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that heavy rains will continue until September, causing flooding in parts of the country and rising water levels in the Nile River.
Charles Placido Wani, the Director of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Department, cited an alert from the Meteorological Department, which warned of flooding downstream.
“The alert level has been reached at Mangala Station, while the levels at Juba Station is still only three centimeters away. Areas downstream are likely to experience some flooding,” he said.
Most measuring stations have witnessed a rise in river water levels over the past few days, with the rise expected to continue in the coming days.
The Director of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Department urged residents living along the banks of the Nile River to move to higher ground and called on state governments to reactivate flood task force committees.
“We call on states and counties to activate their structures, disaster management committees, and flood-related bodies,” he said.
“This is our warning. Let us cooperate so that, over time, we can find solutions to the flooding issues.”
According to recent forecasts, many parts of the country are expected to experience heavy rainfall and flooding in the coming months.
This is due to forecasts of above-average rainfall in some areas, while others may experience drought.
Cognizant of the weather changes, the Meteorological body has advised residents in flood-prone areas to take necessary precautions, with areas including parts of Eastern Equatoria, Upper Nile, Unity, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Jonglei states likely to experience above-average rainfall, potentially leading to heavy downpours.
Western and central South Sudan, including areas such as Wau and Tombura, are also expected to experience heavy rainfall exceeding the top 10% of recorded averages, increasing the risk of flooding.
While some areas may benefit from increased rainfall, others, particularly in the northern and western parts of Western Equatoria, may experience below-average rainfall, potentially impacting agriculture.
South Sudan is highly vulnerable to floods and droughts, conditions exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures.
