By Hou Akot Hou
A teenage girl tragically drowned on Sunday in the Naifasha area of Aweil Town.
According to residents, the incident occurred as the young girl, who was reportedly suffering from a condition believed to be epilepsy, wandered to a construction site where a stream was located.
Wol Garang Bol, a resident, recounted the harrowing incident.
“The young girl fell into a large hole that had been dug by the builders and drowned immediately. It was a shocking occurrence, as the girl had been under the care and monitoring of her parents, who would take turns watching over her due to her illness.”
Bol explained that on the day of the incident, the girl’s father was away from the house, and her mother did not notice when she slipped out and made her way to the construction site, where she met her untimely demise.
The incident has shaken the community, and local authorities are urging parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children, especially in light of the potential for further flooding in the region.
Benson Lual Awach, the coordinator of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, acknowledged the severity of the recent heavy downpours and stated that a disaster management committee will be established to assess the extent of the damage caused.
Residents in Aweil South County have reported that more than 41 homes have been submerged, leading to the collapse and destruction of properties.
Additionally, the roads leading to Aweil Town have been blocked by floodwaters, exacerbating the already challenging economic situation.
Awach cautioned citizens against disregarding the warnings about potential flooding, urging those living in low-lying areas to evacuate and move to higher ground with their animals and belongings before facing the full force of the impending disaster.
Local chiefs have also called on road construction companies to rework the roads, as many have been covered in mud instead of the more suitable marram or rock, moving heavy rainfall extremely difficult.