New York: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that nearly one million people have been affected by devastating floods in South Sudan.
The office reported that as of Thursday, severe and widespread flooding had affected more than 960,000 people in six states, mostly in Jonglei and Unity. Some 335,000 people have been displaced, many of them seeking safety on higher ground. With love in the UN Daily News Bulletin
The office said that since last month, flooding has affected more than 140 health facilities, nearly a third of which have been damaged or completely submerged, disrupting access to basic health services for thousands of people at a time when South Sudan is suffering from disease outbreaks, including cholera and malaria.
Last week, the World Health Organization reported more than 104,000 cases of malaria, including 16 deaths, across the country. This represents a 15% increase in cases compared to the previous week, primarily due to ongoing flooding.
Continued Support Despite Significant Challenges
OCHA noted that South Sudan is also facing ongoing conflict and severe food insecurity, and that the floods are exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
It explained that despite significant challenges to access Unity, Jonglei, and Upper Nile states, it and UN humanitarian partners continue to deliver vital assistance to those affected by the floods and are conducting needs assessments to support the ongoing response. The World Food Programme is also on the ground providing food and nutrition assistance.
The World Health Organization and its partners have delivered more than 50 metric tons of medical supplies to support the response in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states, with more assistance in the pipeline, including tents, cholera kits, and emergency health kits.
IOM health teams have also provided medicines and other support. Earlier this week, the organization signed an agreement with South Sudanese officials to invest $8.5 million in building flood-resistant infrastructure and rehabilitating drainage canals to protect the town of Bor in Jonglei State.