By Kei Emmanuel Duku
An eruption in Hatire Payam, Ikwotos County of Eastern Equatoria state has damaged farmlands and killed fish in River Kinyeti due to pollution.
Eastern Equatoria Information Minister, Elia John Ahaji confirmed the incident.
The minister explained that high underground temperatures caused the explosions and forcing water to the surface along fault lines weakened by recent heavy rains.
“It was a natural phenomenon,” Ahaji said. “A small spring existed in Hatire Payam, but heavy rains loosened the soil. Underground forces forced hot water to the surface, causing an explosion. The water then flowed into the River Kinyeti, destroying farmland and killing aquatic animals.”
Farming and small-scale fishing are the main activities around the hot spring, but no one was present during the eruption.
Samples were sent to Juba’s Ministry of Petroleum for testing to determine the cause and potential dangers.
“The eruption damaged farms and killed fish. Some community members collected the dead fish and ate them, but we haven’t received any complaints so far,” Ahaji added.
Eastern Equatoria Governor Luis Lobong visited the site and urged the national Ministry of Petroleum and academic institutions to conduct geological surveys.
“Residents around the affected areas should stay away for their safety until experts verify the cause,” a statement on the Governor’s press page read, citing the locals’ description of a massive explosion.