The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that South Sudan is facing one of the worst natural disasters in its modern history, as widespread flooding has affected nearly one million people across six states, including Jonglei and Unity. The agency said around 335,000 people have been displaced to higher ground after their homes were destroyed, with floodwaters submerging dozens of villages.
The report indicated a severe health collapse, noting that more than 140 health facilities have been affected, with one-third completely submerged. The World Health Organization recorded over 104,000 malaria cases last week—an increase of 15% from the previous week—alongside a growing outbreak of cholera in several regions.
The humanitarian situation has worsened amid weak infrastructure, ongoing conflict, and food insecurity. UN agencies are working to deliver urgent aid, including food and medical supplies, to affected communities in Unity, Jonglei, and Upper Nile states. The World Health Organization has also dispatched over 50 metric tons of medical supplies, while the International Organization for Migration invested $8.5 million in flood-resilient infrastructure projects in Jonglei State to strengthen local resilience to recurring climate disasters.
