AWEIL – The Commissioner of Aweil North County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Deng Kuel Kuel, has declared an emergency intervention after flash floods submerged thousands of homes, leaving nearly 17,000 people displaced and in dire conditions.

Commissioner Kuel said the floods, which began in October, have inundated 3,363 homes, affecting approximately 16,800 people across the county. Many displaced families are now living with relatives on higher ground, while others face severe shortages of food, shelter, and clean water.

“We have been facing a serious problem that has gone unreported for some time. Over 16,800 individuals from 3,363 homes have been affected, according to data collected by enumerators on the ground,” Kuel said. “Most of these people are lacking food and shelter and are exposed to health hazards and diseases.”

The worst-affected areas, according to the commissioner, are Malual-West and Maper-Dut Thou payams, where many residents have lost their homes and possessions. Although floodwaters are beginning to recede, he said the affected population remains in urgent need of non-food items, plastic sheets, and food supplies.

“Even though the water level is going down, our people still need essentials such as food, plastic sheets, and other relief materials. Most families are sharing whatever little they have with their relatives,” he added.

Kuel also expressed concern about the disruption of education, particularly for Primary Eight candidates preparing for their final exams.

“I want to underscore the situation of P8 candidates from Malual-West and Maper-Dut Thou. Their education has been severely disrupted by the floods, and their case needs special consideration,” he said.

The commissioner further cautioned residents against crossing flooded rivers at night due to the risk of attacks by wild animals such as hippos.

“People should avoid crossing rivers too early or too late in the day. They should travel in groups and only during daylight hours to avoid attacks from dangerous animals,” he warned.

Flooding has become a recurring crisis in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and other parts of South Sudan, driven by changing weather patterns linked to climate change. Experts have urged communities to follow meteorological updates closely to plan their farming and mitigate risks associated with extreme weather.