Ongoing floods in South Sudan have affected more than 835,000 people across 8 states. Livelihoods, food production and drinking water supply have all been severely impacted. Humanitarian agency Concern Worldwide described the flooding as the worst in 60 years, and estimates over 200,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

Flooding began with the onset of the rainy season in May this year. In July 7 people died in floods which submerged several homes in Mayendit County. Flooding worsened considerably in the following weeks and by 01 September over 380,000 people across 6 states were affected.

In a recent update, the United Nations said flooding has now affected more than 835,000 people in 33 of South Sudan’s 78 counties. Jonglei, Unity and Upper Niles remain the worst impacted states, with some 80 per cent of the total cumulative number of affected people, the UN said. The situation in particularly bad in Jonglei State, where 305,000 people affected, followed by Unity (220,000 affected) and Upper Nile (141,000 affected).

Flooding has caused severe hardship in affected communities. The UN said, “Homes, nutrition and health facilities, water sources, schools and markets are submerged, impacting people’s access to essential services, eroding their coping mechanisms and exacerbating vulnerability.” People in some affected areas have reportedly no access to safe water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes and moved to higher ground, with many sheltering in churches, schools and public spaces. Floods have also severely impacted livelihoods and food production, destroying farmland, crops and livestock.

“Floodwaters continue to threaten people in areas such as in Bentiu town in Unity State where flood-affected people, including those in the Bentiu displacement camp, are in a dire situation. The floodwaters remain standing and stagnant, with no sign of receding resulting in longer term displacement. In other areas, such as Jonglei and Upper Nile, water continues to rise as water overflowed or broke barriers,” the UN added.

Access to many affected areas is difficult and aid agencies have used boats, trucks and special all terrain amphibious vehicles to reach flooded communities.