The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) says more than eight hundred thousand people have been severely affected by the worse flooding in 60 years. The UN says three states, Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile, are severely hit.
Mr. Nicholas Haysom is the UN special representative to the secretary-general in South Sudan.
He says the situation is a great concern to all. Adding the consequences could be disastrous in food insecurity, lack of healthcare, education, and the risk of water-borne diseases.
He described the situation as ‘dire,’ saying hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced and desperate for assistance. “I traveled to Bentiu to see the impact firsthand, floodwaters not receding,”; said Haysom.
Mr. Haysom said UNMISS has helped build 70 kilometers of dykes to prevent water from coming to the town, airport, and displacement camp.
He stated that the Pakistani engineers continue to work daily with the local community to make sure those dykes hold,” he stressed.
He warned the consequences of flooding could lead to long-term impact of the flooding for those affected.
Haysom said the collective effort is underway, but more help is needed to address the devastating situation in the short and long term. He said the new dykes must be constructed before the next rainy season start.
Environmental experts predict that the water flooding could continue for two years.