By Hou Akot Hou
Heavy downpours that began early Wednesday and continued into Thursday morning have severely disrupted economic activities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, particularly affecting residents in Aweil.
Neighborhoods such as Gateway, Naifasha, and Mathiang, Malou-Awer have been hit hard, with locals struggling to carry out their usual business activities.
Adeng Garang, a tea vendor, expressed her frustration, stating she was unable to sell any tea on Wednesday due to the torrential rain.
“The conditions were impossible; most of us rely on small businesses to support our families,” she lamented.
Adeng warned that if the rains persist, more residents may face displacement, as many areas in Aweil are already flooded.
Aweil North County Commissioner Kiir Chan Wol highlighted the urgent need to drain water from health facilities that have become inaccessible.
He noted that approximately eight health centers, including War-apei and Maper-dut Thou, are now unreachable, forcing residents to transport patients to further locations.
Wol expressed concern about the coming months, stating that the ongoing situation could worsen locals’ livelihoods unless state authorities take decisive action.
Weather experts have advised residents to move to higher ground, as climate change continues to exacerbate flooding conditions.
As the disaster management council, led by Governor Simon Uber, prepares to address the situation, the community is left to wonder how effectively these efforts will mitigate the challenges they face.