Severe flooding has displaced about 50,000 people in Ayod County, Jonglei State, leaving many without food, shelter, or medical care, local officials said Saturday.
Ayod County Commissioner James Chuol Jiek told Radio Tamazuj that heavy rains and an overflowing river have inundated several areas of the county, straining already limited resources.
“Around 50,000 people are affected by severe floods. In Gog Payam, 9,300 people are affected; 590 in Pagil; 2,600 in Wau; 9,000 in Khorwai; 7,500 in Pajiek; 8,000 in Kwachdeng; and 2,700 in Ayod town,” Chuol said. “In the villages of Ayod Payam, on the outskirts of town, another 8,700 people are displaced. Their situation is dire.”
Residents also expressed concern about the worsening humanitarian conditions.
“We are suffering. We lack food and shelter. Our children and elderly are getting sick from the stagnant water,” said Nyajime Kuol, a resident of Ayod town. “We appeal for support.”
Kwach Deng, the county coordinator for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), echoed the calls for urgent humanitarian assistance.
“The situation is dire. These fresh floods are worsening an already difficult situation. As the RRC, we are engaging with our partners to pool resources and respond to the crisis,” he said.
Local authorities and residents are appealing to humanitarian agencies for immediate support as floodwaters continue to displace more communities in the county.