Floods displace approximately 3000 people in Akobo County.

By Matik Kueth

Over the past few days, an estimated 2000 to 3000 people have been displaced by flooding in Akobo County, Jonglei State, forcing residents to evacuate their homes, according to authorities.

Puok Nyang, Akobo County Commissioner, told King Media on Monday that the floodwaters in Walgak Payam displaced over 2,000 or approximately 3,000 people.

“Yeah! The displaced persons, I think, range from 2,000 to 3,000. We have not confirmed the number yet but because some people were displaced and some people came to Walgak Payam. Some of them returned to other areas where they saw the water had gone down. So, up to now, I think in Walgak we have over 2,000 to 3,000 number of the displaced residing in Walgak town.”

Nyang said the number of snake bite cases is rising and urged humanitarian organizations and the national government to supply anti-venom in order to stop snake bite deaths.

He noted that the World Food Program (WFP) is delivering food to Walgak, where severe flooding has devastated many people’s homes and their livelihoods subsistence.

 “In this flood, so many people are displaced to Walgak town. This flood has also displaced snakes from the bush, and these snakes are among the community; I have found that 33 people were bitten by snakes, and among them, four people died because of snake bites,” he stated.

 Nyang stressed, “We have a primary healthcare center that is offering limited health services; it is very difficult here. Walgak is supposed to have a hospital, and aid agencies are offering services, but this is not enough.”