By Hou Akot Hou
The situation in Northern Bahr El Ghazal is growing increasingly dire as flooding displaces hundreds of residents, particularly in areas like Mayen-ulem and Wathok Road, where heavy rainfall has caused significant damage.
Local residents have recounted harrowing experiences resulting from the floods. In some cases, cars veered off the road, leading to fatalities.
“A Sudanese man died on Friday while travelling to Aweil on the Nyamlel highway in Aweil West County due to the road’s severe deterioration from the rains,” Garang Kiir, a youth leader from Wadwill in Aweil West County said.
He noted that the road connecting Wath-thok and Wadwil is now impassable, further complicating access to domestic farms that have also been ruined.
“People are like pigs in the mud. It’s a desperate situation,” he said.
Bol Bol, a resident from Achana in Gom-juer West Payam said “People are faced with displacement patterns. They are moving to high or flat areas where some don’t have relatives to welcome them. So the life is cumbersome to describe.”
He urged authorities to expedite assistance for the vulnerable populations affected by the floods.
Speaking to Miraya FM, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Albino Akol Atak, said “we are initiating measures through task forces focused on flood mitigation and early warning systems.”
He urged community members to move to higher ground and outlined plans for a second phase of response aimed at verifying the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“It is crucial for everyone to contribute to helping those affected,” he stated, adding that international partners and the government are allocating funds to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) impacted by the flooding.
As the situation continues to evolve, the community remains in urgent need of support and resources to navigate the challenging circumstances.