October 21, 2024 (JUBA) - South Sudan is witnessing some of its worst flooding in decades that has caused widespread devastation in several parts of the country, leaving more than 226 000 people displaced, homes, livelihood impacted with roads and key infrastructure submerged and several communities devastated. The floods, according to the United Nations, have affected 42 of South Sudan's 78 counties. Already 58 health facilities have been submerged in five counties and nearly 90 others are inaccessible with about 15 main roads cut off, including those that link to the capital Juba, where tertiary health services are available. As of 4 October 2024, a total 890 000 people in flood-affected counties have reportedly been impacted. Although heavy downpours during the country’s rainy season between April and November often trigger floods, they have become increasingly severe due to climate change, stretching communities’ ability to cope with the devastation and in some cases caused permanent displacement of communities. The floods, WHO said in a statement, have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan where nearly 800,000 refugees and returnees have fled armed conflict in neighbouring Sudan. To compound to the already dire situation, two suspected Cholera cases have been …

The post Severe flooding compounds health crisis in South Sudan: WHO appeared first on Sudan Tribune.