South Sudan Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Floods Displace Over 241,000 Amid Rising Cholera Cases
In a devastating humanitarian crisis, more than 241,000 individuals have been displaced across South Sudan due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains and the overflow of Lake Victoria. The South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) has been actively involved in evacuating vulnerable communities and raising awareness about the risks of flooding.
“When floods began in South Sudan, the South Sudan Red Cross volunteers evacuated the most vulnerable individuals, particularly in Old Fangak and other areas,” said Moro Baba Emmanuel, Disaster Risk Manager for the South Sudan Red Cross. His team of dedicated volunteers has been working tirelessly, going door-to-door to educate communities about the impending floods and urging them to relocate to higher ground.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), a staggering 893,000 people have been affected by flooding in ten states and 42 counties. The SSRC has reached approximately 41,800 individuals, assisting 6,966 households through various disaster risk management services, including shelter, cash assistance, health, wash, and protection services.
In Old Fangak and New Fangak, the SSRC has also collaborated with the Community Disaster Response Team (CDRT) to provide training in dyke rehabilitation efforts to mitigate further flooding. Reports indicate that the situation has continued to deteriorate since heavy rains began in May, impacting communities and submerging agricultural land—crucial for the local economy.
As the flooding crisis unfolds, South Sudan is simultaneously grappling with a serious cholera outbreak. As of December 13, 2024, there have been 3,429 suspected cases of cholera reported, resulting in 44 deaths across 22 counties in six states. Achuil Manyuat, the SSRC Emergency Operation Manager, emphasized the urgent need for increased response efforts, stating, “We have trained more than 300 volunteers and deployed them in Renk, Malakal, Juba, and Bentiu. Response in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State is underway.”
The SSRC plans to expand its outreach to ten locations, conducting awareness campaigns in schools and public places to educate the populace about cholera prevention and hygiene practices. Thus far, more than 40,000 individuals have received vital health messages in affected areas such as Renk, Malakal, Juba, Bentiu, and Aweil.
Furthermore, SSRC Secretary General John Lobor urged staff and partners to continue conducting assessments in neighborhoods susceptible to further cholera outbreaks to integrate them into ongoing response operations.
As South Sudan navigates these twin crises—devastating floods and a rising cholera outbreak—the efforts of organizations like the South Sudan Red Cross are more crucial than ever to provide relief and support to affected communities.
