Unity State, South Sudan
August 1, 2021 — At least 7 people died in the wake of devastating floods and almost 400 families fled the area in Mayendit County of Unity State.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Mayendit County Commissioner, Gatluak Nyang say rains have intensified over the past weeks in the area, causing flooding, destruction of infrastructure, houses and livelihoods.
“We have confirmed 7 people have died due to drowning,” Commissioner Nyang Hoth quoted by Eye Radio to have said.
According to the commissioner, the locals have tried to build dykes but still that wasn’t enough.
“We are trying to control the flow of water from Mayendit because only 10 percent of our land is not covered by water. So, we are working hard to divert the water and protect the people,” he added.
According to the commissioner, the situation is really bad because people are moving toward the dry areas” like Mier-nhial, Rubkuai, Tutnyang, and Luom adding that they’ve registered flood affected population amounting to 390 families whose humanitarian and health conditions are worsening.
“We registered 390 families who have been affected based on a survey conducted by humanitarian partners on the ground. These 390 families require food and shelter. They need mosquito nets and life-saving medication – especially treatment for waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.”, he emphasized.
According to UN report of 2020, at least 800,000 people were significantly affected by flooding in areas along the White Nile, forcing entire communities to evacuate their residences
