S.Sudan: State of emergency declared in flood-hit areas

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in areas affected by flood across the country.

Under the order, about 30 counties in Greater Bahr El Ghazal, Upper Nile and Equatoria regions, which are affected by torrential flooding, were declared as emergency areas.

The president's office says the state of emergency is to ensure intervention of the government and humanitarian organizations for the people in need.

No further details were given on measures for people living in flood-stricken areas.

Abnormal heavy seasonal floods have devastated large areas of the Horn of Africa country since July, affecting over 900,000 people, including internally displaced people, refugees, and host communities.

Many health facilities and nutrition centers, used to shelter people who fled the flooding, are currently underwater.

Reduced access to basic services and markets has made people more vulnerable. Diseases are spreading due to water contamination. Access to hygiene and sanitation is limited, especially for women and girls.

The number of climate-related disasters has doubled over the past 20 years worldwide, causing loss of lives, growing displacement, ruined livelihoods, deteriorated food insecurity, and malnutrition.

Every year around 20-25 million people are internally displaced in their countries due to extreme weather conditions often linked to climate change.