South Sudan: Severe floods affect 900,000 across the country October 25

Event

According to a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) statement released on Friday, October 25, severe floods affecting large parts of the country since July, have affected at least 908,000 people. These extreme weather conditions have limited accesses to markets, health facilities, and basic services, raising the risk of a famine and water-borne disease outbreaks such as cholera.

Rain is forecast to continue in the coming weeks, causing further disruptions.

Advice

Individuals present in South Sudan are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rainfall.