Stranded by the Floods in South Sudan

Originally published in Common Dreams. 

By Denish Ogen Rwot, Action Against Hunger’s Communication and Advocacy Manager 

As the humanitarian response continues, it is clear that sustained assistance will be needed to help the people of Aweil recover from this latest disaster.

The northern parts of South Sudan, particularly Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, has been hit hard by relentless flooding, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The floods have had a particularly devastating impact on returnees, many of whom had recently resettled in Aweil after months of displacement due to the ongoing crisis in neighboring Sudan. These returnees, who had begun the slow process of rebuilding their lives, now find themselves displaced once more, their hopes for stability washed away with the floodwaters.

As the water levels rose, entire villages were submerged, and families were forced to flee their homes, taking only what they could carry. Makeshift camps have sprung up in higher areas that remain above water, but these temporary shelters are overcrowded, with inadequate access to clean water, food, and sanitation facilities. The conditions in these areas are dire, and diseases such as malaria and cholera may be easy to spread, exacerbated by stagnant floodwaters and a lack of medical supplies. Many children and elderly are falling ill, compounding the community’s sense of despair.

For the returnees, this disaster is particularly heartbreaking. Having already endured years of displacement and conflict, they had returned to Aweil in search of peace and the chance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Many had invested their savings into small farms, hoping to cultivate crops that would sustain them. Now, their fields are underwater, and the crops they were counting on for food and income have been destroyed. Families who had started to find their footing are once again plunged into uncertainty, unsure of where they will sleep or how they will feed their children in the days to come as they continually depend on fish from the flood waters.

For the returnees in particular, the flooding represents a tragic reversal of the fragile progress they had made since returning home. Their resilience and determination, however, remain a source of hope.

Beyond the direct impact on homes and farms, the flooding has also severely damaged infrastructure. Roads, which are critical for accessing essential services, have become impassable, isolating entire communities. Health centers, already under-resourced, are now cut off from those who need them most. Expectant mothers, children suffering from malnutrition, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, as they can no longer reach health facilities for vital care. In some cases, patients have had to be transported by boat or carried on makeshift stretchers over long distances just to receive basic medical attention.

The road between Malualkon and the rural communities, which serves as the lifeline for delivering food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, is completely submerged in many areas. Vehicles attempting to navigate these roads are frequently stuck or washed away by the strong currents, making it impossible for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to those in need. This has further compounded the crisis, as displaced families in remote areas are left without access to the relief supplies that could provide some measure of comfort.

The community’s resilience is being tested like never before. Local leaders have been appealing for assistance, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming. In response, humanitarian organizations have ramped up efforts to provide emergency relief, setting up temporary shelters and delivering food aid. However, the needs far exceed the resources available. Many families remain without adequate shelter, exposed to the elements as they wait for aid to reach them. The long-term impacts of this flooding disaster are likely to be severe. With much of the farmland destroyed, food insecurity looms large over the region. Even as the rains begin to subside, the floodwaters are expected to take months to recede, delaying any attempts at recovery. As a result, displaced families will likely remain in temporary camps for an extended period, facing an uncertain future.

For the returnees in particular, the flooding represents a tragic reversal of the fragile progress they had made since returning home. Their resilience and determination, however, remain a source of hope. With the right support, they may yet find a way to rebuild once more, but the road to recovery will be long and challenging. As the humanitarian response continues, it is clear that sustained assistance will be needed to help the people of Aweil recover from this latest disaster, rebuild their lives, and prepare for the next challenge, as climate-related events like these floods become an ever-more frequent threat to their survival.

About Action Against Hunger in South Sudan

Action Against Hunger conducts surveys to deepen the understanding of hunger across South Sudan and advocates for policy change to address the underlying causes. We work with care groups to improve child nutrition and health, and our mobile health teams help to integrate nutrition support into primary health services. To address climate-driven hunger and enhance community resilience, we have scaled up our food security programs, such as our rice growing project in Fangak. Additionally, our teams continue to deliver vital water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Action Against Hunger’s research into gender-based violence helps to design and deliver safe programs across all sectors. Last year, we recruited additional female staff at nutrition sites so that women feel comfortable accessing malnutrition treatment. We also piloted referral services for women suffering from gender-based violence, offering psychological and medical first aid.