Officials in Aluakluak Payam, located in Yirol West County, Lakes State, reported widespread crop destruction caused by floods and pests in neighbouring villages, particularly in Ngop. This has resulted in the displacement of over 10 villages, forcing residents to seek refuge in Mapuordit Payam headquarters.
During a visit by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) team, authorities shared their concerns about the impact of these natural disasters on the local communities.
Speaking during UNMISS head of Rumbek’s field visit to the area on Friday, Daniel Ichok Dhieu, the Administrator of Mapuordit Payam in Yirol West County, highlighted the severity of the situation. He explained that the floods have uprooted people from various locations within Ngop villages.
“I have witnessed over 10 villages being displaced by floods, and additionally, we are grappling with pests that are destroying crops. The combined effect of floods and pests is expected to lead to food shortages in my payam,” Dhieu said.
Dhieu emphasized that the affected villages are now scattered within Mapuordit, and he appealed for support for a radio station to facilitate communication with the broader population in Juba, Rumbek, and Yirol.
Kwame Dwamena Aboagye, the coordinator of UNMISS in the Rumbek field office, emphasized the organization’s dedication to assisting and supporting the government in safeguarding civilians. He stated, “Our purpose is to help and support the government in protecting civilians.”
He outlined the key elements of this protection, explaining that UNMISS achieves this by engaging with the community, assessing the security situation, monitoring any infringements on rights and responsibilities, and addressing the needs of the community. The aim is to communicate effectively with partners and coordinate interventions to ensure the well-being of the population.
Additionally, the severe flooding has disrupted road transportation along the Bahr el Ghazal highway, connecting Yirol West and Rumbek East counties to the state capital, Rumbek. The impact of these floods on infrastructure further underscores the challenges faced by the affected communities in accessing essential services and necessitates collaborative efforts for effective intervention and recovery.