PANYIJIAR – Days of torrential rain have triggered massive flooding in Panyijiar County in Unity State, submerging critical infrastructures including airstrips and effectively cutting of the remote location, the commissioner said.
Majok Bol Mani told Juba Witness in a phone interview on Thursday that Ganyliel and Nyal, two of the most strategic towns are now underwater, leaving tens of thousands scrambling for a dry land.
He narrates that there is a spike in snake bites and malaria infections, while schools, markets and hospitals have all been submerged. Bol added that farmlands have gone to waste and livestock are dying of diseases and poor pasture.
The commissioner said the latest floods which happens for the sixth consecutive year has strained an already fragile situation, and called on the national government and partners to deliver lifesaving assistance including food and medicine.
Impending floods
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management said Wednesday the government was preparing measures to mitigate flashfloods expected to impact millions of people in several states between September and October.
He noted that the peak of this crisis is expected between September and October, when severe flooding will displace many people from their homes.
Akol briefed President Kiir on the Ministry’s preparedness and planned interventions, including the construction of additional dykes and water channels to reduce water flow in the affected areas.