At Least 10 Killed in South Sudan Floods – Updated

Update 10 October 2014:

Flooding spread to South Sudan’s Jonglei state on 08 October 2014. Thousands have been displaced and around 3,260 homes destroyed by flooding in Twic East county, according to Sudan Tribune. Villages in Nyuak, Kongor and Lith districts are reported as worst affected.

Original Report of 09 October 2014

Local media in Sudan are reporting that at least 10 people have been killed in 2 separate incidents of flooding in South Sudan over the last 7 days.

The Sudan Tribune reports that heavy rain in Eastern Equatoria state between 04 and 05 October 2014 caused severe floods in the county of Magwi. Roads and bridges have been damaged as a result of the flooding. The heavy rain has also caused landslides in the area.

At least 6 people died in the flooding in the village of Owinykibul. The heavy rain caused the Atebi River to overflow and one person died after being swept away while he attempted to cross.

Floods Sudan
File photo – floods in South Sudan

In Unity state at least 3 people drowned in floods after heavy rain in Mankien, Mayom county on 05 October. The flooding has also caused damage to homes and property in several areas of the county.

Local media are also reporting that heavy rains and floods have been seen in Maban County, Upper Nile state. No damage to property has been reported, although the flooding caused disruption to transport after major roads were blocked or made impassable.

File photo: Floods in Upper Nile state, 2011. Photo: UN Photo / Flickr
File photo: Floods in Upper Nile state, 2011. Photo: UN Photo / Flickr

Over 60,000 people were displaced by flooding in Sudan and South Sudan in August this year.

One of the worst affected areas has been Bentiu, Unity state, South Sudan, the location of the refugee camp housing around 50,000 people. The camp has suffered badly from flooding since July this year. A recent report by IRIN said that flooding had wiped out much of the camp’s infrastructure and the property of camp residents, including beds.

The camp is located in a low lying area prone to flooding. The recent heavy rainfall in Unity state is likley to affect camp conditions once again.

Bentiu camp, South Sudan. Photo: UN Photo / Flickr
Bentiu camp, South Sudan. Photo: UN Photo / Flickr
Floods in refugee camp at Bentiu, August 2014. Photo: UN Photo / Flickr
Floods in refugee camp at Bentiu, August 2014. Photo: UN Photo / Flickr