By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Government has issued a warning to citizens regarding potential heavy rainfall across most parts of the country.
The warning issued by Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management through the Directorate for Early Warning Systems.
A joint National Multi-Hazard Early Warning report, released yesterday in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and other partners, forecasts that June to September period will be a major rainfall season for most of South Sudan.
This period typically accounts for 70% of the country’s rainfall in both bimodal and unimodal rainfall zones, with a high probability (over 90%) of precipitation exceeding 400 millimeters.
Above-normal rainfall, with a 55-60% probability, is expected across Eastern Equatoria, Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and parts of Jonglei and Upper Nile States.
Meanwhile, Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Unity, and some areas of Western Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, and Upper Nile States are anticipated to receive moderate, or normal, rainfall, with a 40-45% probability.
The forecast also indicates that current water levels in Lake Victoria are similar to 2024 but higher than in 2023, posing a risk that requires ongoing monitoring.
This elevated water level is expected to increase water flow into the White Nile, heightening the likelihood of flooding in South Sudan’s low-lying areas, particularly in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity States.
Despite the threats posed by heavy rainfall, the wetter conditions are likely to bring opportunities for crop production and improved water access for livestock. However, these heavy rains are also expected to trigger significant flash floods in areas that were swamped during the October to December 2024 season.
The Ministry stated that heavy rainfall increases the likelihood of flooding in some areas, potentially leading to the displacement of both livestock and human populations.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management also warned that the rainy season creates a conducive environment for the breeding of vectors such as mosquitoes, snakes, and snails, which can cause diseases like malaria, dengue fever, West Nile Virus, and bilharzia.
Other common waterborne illnesses, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and Hepatitis A, are also likely to be associated with flooding.
During this season, the Ministry of Health is advised to engage in community engagement and hygiene promotion programs, provide clean drinking water, and conduct risk communication, education, and awareness campaigns on necessary precautions.