By Baraka John
Torrential rains and flash floods have devastated communities in Mvolo County, submerging homes, destroying more than 70 acres of farmland, and displacing thousands of residents, local officials confirmed on Sunday.
Wilson Dakada Kojo, the county’s Relief and Rehabilitation Coordinator, told King Media that continuous heavy rains from late August into September caused rivers and streams to overflow, flooding Yeri, Mayuwe, and Dari Payams.
“We have lost 78 acres of farmland,” Kojo said. “The floods destroyed 26 acres in Yeri, 12 in Mayuwe, 18 in Dari, and 22 in Lesi. Groundnuts, green beans, and maize have all been completely washed away.”
Kojo explained that two streams in the area burst their banks after days of rainfall, leaving 2,649 people displaced, livestock drowned, and cases of illness emerging among the affected population. Many families are now sheltering in schools and churches, which lack proper facilities.
“Since the flooding began, no humanitarian assistance has reached the victims. We are urgently appealing for support,” he stressed.
Community leaders echoed the alarm. Anthony Diaumba of Yeri Payam described the crisis as catastrophic.
“Over 700 homes have collapsed. Families are sleeping in the open without shelter. With our crops destroyed, we are now facing the threat of hunger in the coming season,” Diaumba warned.
Local authorities are calling on both national and international humanitarian organizations to intervene swiftly, warning that without aid, the crisis could deepen.
Mvolo County like many parts of South Sudan remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, with flooding now an annual threat to livelihoods and food security.
A photo showing a home in water