The situation in South Sudan is dire, with devastating floods affecting 1.4 million people and displacing more than 379,000, according to the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office. These figures reflect the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the region, exacerbated by a resurgence of malaria.
The storms have hit the north of the country in particular, with serious consequences for residents in 43 counties and the Abyei region, a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan. More than 379,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in 22 counties and Abyei. These figures are constantly evolving, highlighting the growing vulnerability of local populations to natural disasters.
In addition to mass population displacement, another threat looms over the region: a resurgence of malaria. The disease, also known as malaria, is spreading in flood-affected areas, straining already fragile health infrastructure and intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
The World Bank said the floods were worsening an already critical situation in South Sudan, marked by food insecurity, economic decline, internal conflict and disease outbreaks. More than seven million people are food insecure, while 1.65 million children are malnourished, according to the World Food Programme.
In response to this unprecedented humanitarian crisis, WFP has appealed urgently to donors for additional funding. With food stocks depleted, the agency needs $404 million to provide humanitarian assistance in 2025. Without sufficient funding, it will be forced to resort to costly airdrops to reach isolated populations.
Despite the signing of a peace agreement in 2018, South Sudan remains fragile due to power struggles, corruption and economic stagnation. Progress in implementing this agreement remains limited, compounding the challenges facing the country.
The flood crisis in South Sudan is therefore a reflection of the multiple challenges facing the nation. A collective and coordinated response is needed to support displaced and vulnerable populations, to prevent an escalation of this already serious humanitarian crisis.