South Sudan: Widespread disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the country as of Oct. 12

Event

Widespread disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of South Sudan as of Oct. 12. United Nations officials have reported that more than 900,000 people nationwide have been affected by flooding as of Oct. 11. The flooding has affected nine of the country's ten states, with Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Unity, and Western Equatoria states among the worst affected. The floods have destroyed thousands of hectares of crops, as well as affecting livestock, washing away roads and bridges, and damaging many homes. Rising river levels in Unity State caused two dykes to be breached near the towns of Rubkona and Bentiu Oct. 9, threatening camps set up for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) already affected by previous flooding. Recent flooding has also caused a key bridge between Wau and Raja counties in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, restricting the access of aid organizations to provide critical supplies to tens of thousands of people in the area. The damage caused to crops and pools of stagnant floodwaters will likely exacerbate the food insecurity and health challenges ongoing across many areas. Further rainfall during the remainder of the rainy season through the end of November will likely trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages. Avoid stagnant bodies of water.