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Floods displace 600,000 in South Sudan

Friday, 25 September 2020 1:40 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 25 September 2020 1:40 PM ]

Civilians attempt to block flood water from the broken dykes on the Nile River, in Genyiel County, in the Unity State of South Sudan, on September 24, 2020. (Photo by AFP)

Severe flooding in crisis-hit South Sudan has forced more than 600,000 people to flee their homes since July, the United Nations warned on Friday (September 25), after months of torrential rains caused the banks of the Nile to burst.

The impoverished East African nation was already struggling to recover from a five-year civil war and suffering severe food shortages when flooding hit. Scientists say the unusual rains are caused by a cyclical weather pattern that has been exacerbated by climate change.

United Nations humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan Alain Noudehou said the pandemic was complicating the response, with families forced to squeeze together and not enough land to establish clinics and schools. He said the UN had allocated $10 million to help flood victims, but needed $40 million more by the end of the year.

(Source: Reuters)

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