UN Plans to Assist 2.4M People Amid Severe Flooding in South Sudan

The United Nations announced on Monday that it aims to assist approximately 2.4 million of the 3.3 million people expected to be affected by severe flooding in South Sudan starting in September, Xinhua reported yesterday.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that the UN and its partners are aiding the South Sudanese government in preparing for what could be the worst flooding in 60 years.

OCHA plans to deliver essential health and nutrition services, shelter, and food assistance to those displaced by the floods. The office emphasized the urgent need for increased funding to address the humanitarian crisis, particularly as new arrivals flee ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Heavy rains in Kassala, Sudan, have also left thousands stranded as shelters flood, compounding the crisis for over 10 million displaced by ongoing conflict. The UN reports rising water-borne disease risks and inadequate resources to address the situation. Many displaced individuals reject relocation plans, preferring to stay in the city despite deteriorating conditions.

Currently, this year’s humanitarian appeal for South Sudan is only 30 percent funded, with about $542 million raised out of the nearly $1.8 billion needed. OCHA also noted that the ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to exacerbate humanitarian needs in South Sudan, with over 770,000 returnees and refugees crossing the border since fighting erupted in April last year.