JUBA – An estimated 273,000 people have been affected by widespread flashfloods among whom over a hundred displaced in 12 counties in South Sudan as of September 2025, the UN humanitarian agency said.
According to UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), the affected populations are Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile and Central Equatoria, with Jonglei and Unity states accounting for over 91 per cent of those impacted.
Over 104,000 people in the counties of Panyijiar, Twic East, Terekeka, Pochalla, Fangak and Ayod are displaced and sheltered on higher grounds, OCHA said.
The agency notes that a section of the dyke on the western side of Old Fangak in Jonglei State broke on August 30 due to increase of water level from the River Nile, submerging the entire town.
Humanitarian partners reportedly provided fuel and evacuated vulnerable people by boat from Fangak town to higher ground in Toch and Paguir.
“Toch, Paguir, and Kueranyang Payams currently hosting flood-displaced people remain at high risk as rain continues and river levels rise,” the assessment said, adding that floodwater has submerged farmland, homes, humanitarian compounds and disrupted access to education, health, nutrition, and water services.
In Unity State, on 3 September, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission reported flood-related displacement in Pakur and Dhil Payams, Koch County, affecting 10 villages. An estimated 2,304 people have been reported displaced and are sheltering with relatives within affected communities.
In Mayendit County, Initial Rapid Needs Assessment data collection for flood-affected people was completed, and report compilation is underway. In Leer County, partners are monitoring displacement trends as floodwater continues to rise.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation continues real-time river monitoring and water levels have slightly decreased in Juba (just below alert) as of 8 September but remain high in Mangala, where mild to moderate flooding is likely.
Localized increases are reported in Malakal, Anakdiar in Sobat River between Lakes and Jonglei States, and Nyamlel in Aweil West, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Communities in flood-prone areas are urged to remain alert and to take precautions.
IGAD climate center has forecast above-normal rainfall in South Sudan from July to November, with 1.6 million people at risk of flooding.
Peak flooding is expected between September and December, driven by upstream water releases from Uganda and Ethiopia. High-risk areas include Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and parts of Central Equatoria.
