Terekeka County Faces Severe Humanitarian Crisis as Floods Devastate Communities

The relentless floods in Terekeka County have led to a significant humanitarian crisis, impacting nearly 50,000 residents and leaving many families displaced from their homes. As the RRC Coordinator and a member of the Flood Mitigation Committee, Peter Ladu Paul has been actively coordinating humanitarian efforts and assessing the damage caused by the flooding.

“The situation has deteriorated rapidly due to increased rainfall and rising water levels in the Nile, exacerbated by the gradual opening of dams in Uganda,” Paul stated. “We have been working to gather information on the extent of the damage and the humanitarian needs in affected areas.”

The assessment carried out by the committee revealed that multiple regions, including Takaha County, have experienced severe flooding, affecting communities such as Mangala North, Nyori, and Terkega. Areas like Taliri Jong and Tindal Payam have seen moderate flooding, but the potential for worsening conditions remains high as water levels continue to rise.

Approximately 69% of Terekeka’s residents live along the banks of the Nile, with many villages facing the immediate threat of inundation. Paul reported that over 35,895 individuals, comprising nearly 4,100 households, have already been affected by the floods. The situation is dire, with many families losing their crops—destroyed right before harvest—leaving them without food supplies.

“In addition to food insecurity, we’re witnessing an increase in health-related issues, such as waterborne diseases due to a lack of clean drinking water,” stated Paul. “The most vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are at heightened risk.”

The floods have not only impacted food availability but have also disrupted essential services such as healthcare, education, and access to clean water. Roads leading to major service centers have been cut off, further isolating communities that are in desperate need of assistance.

The psychological toll of this disaster cannot be overlooked, with many households slipping deeper into poverty as livelihoods are destroyed. Reports indicate a rise in gender-based violence as families face dire circumstances, with young girls being forced into early marriages for economic survival.

“The need for a coordinated response is urgent,” Paul emphasized, calling on the Flood Mitigation Committee and humanitarian partners to prioritize assistance to Terekeka County. “We need food aid, healthcare support, and protection services for the vulnerable populations affected by this crisis.”

As the humanitarian situation continues to evolve, local leaders and humanitarian agencies are mobilizing resources to provide much-needed support. Immediate interventions are being planned to alleviate the suffering of those displaced by the floods and to restore livelihoods in this beleaguered region.