Floods destroy over 37,000 tons of cereals in South Sudan

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - Heavy floods in South Sudan have destroyed an estimated 37,624 tons of cereals, according to the latest preliminary report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

It said 65,107 hectares of land have been submerged since May.

“Preliminary FAO analysis indicates that about 65,107 hectares of cultivated land have been damaged due to floods, with an estimated loss of 37,624 tons of cereals, which is expected to have negative consequences on the food security of the affected populations,” said the report seen by Anadolu Agency on Tuesday.

The report noted that more than 835,000 people have been affected by floods in eight of the country's 10 states, with Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile the worst affected.

“Most people affected by the floods find it difficult to survive, as flooding from previous years has not yet receded and the new influx of water exacerbates the situation, making the prospect of a recovery difficult if not impossible,” it said.

The report also said that 795,558 livestock have perished due to flooding this year in eight states of South Sudan.

“This includes cattle, goats and sheep, and an unknown number of poultry, dogs and donkeys,” it said.

South Sudan is one of the worst hunger crises globally, with 2.5 million people in emergency or worse levels of acute food insecurity, of which 108,000 people are estimated to already face famine-like conditions, according to the World Food Program (WFP).

It also notes that 4.7 million people are already in crisis levels, adding this is probably the worst food security situation since the country became independent in July 2011.

South Sudan is highly vulnerable to climate change, including flooding, droughts, and most recently, a locust infestation. Long-term climate change such as a gradual increase in temperature and short-term changes including increased flooding have indirect and interlinked implications for peace and security in South Sudan.

Parts of the country are experiencing their worst floods in 60 years and the UN is linking the situation to climate change.

For some areas, it is the third straight year of extreme flooding, endangering livelihoods in the world's youngest nation.

In addition to the flooding, a five-year civil war, hunger and corruption have all ravaged the nation. Now climate change is impossible to ignore.