(BENTIU) – Rising water levels in Unity State have placed significant pressure on the dyke systems protecting Bentiu IDP Camp, Bentiu Town, and Rubkona Town. As of 4 December 2025, water levels around the camp reached 187 cm, compared with 140 cm at the same time last year. The peak level has stabilised at 188 cm.
The high water levels are linked to slow-moving flows from Ugandan lakes through the Sudd wetlands. With the rainy season ending and water levels receding across South Sudan, further rises are not expected. However, strong winds and waves have already weakened sections of the dykes, reducing their ability to withstand additional pressure.
IOM South Sudan, in partnership with local authorities and communities, has deployed heavy machinery to repair critical sections of the dykes. Over the past three weeks, six machines have worked on the eastern dyke at Bentiu IDP Camp, restoring 1,990 metres of structure. The dyke now has a 0.8 metre freeboard and a five-metre crest with gentle slopes to minimise wave impact.
On the northern dyke, 485 metres have been rehabilitated, with all weaker sections backfilled and reshaped. Around 2,100 metres of dyke still require reinforcement. In Pakur (Delmet), 100 metres of critical dyke has been completed, raising the freeboard to 1.5 metres and widening the crest to four metres. Seepage points in Bentiu’s Bilinyang and Hai Ingaz have also been addressed, with re-compaction and additional materials applied.
Community safety remains a concern, especially children gathering near dyke construction areas. IOM and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) are engaging local leaders to manage crowds and ensure safe operations. Boat and canoe traffic along the dykes also increases erosion risk through wave impact.
| Location | Dyke Length | Population Protected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentiu IDP Camp | 5.5 km | 109,365 | Ongoing repair, high criticality |
| Rubkona Town | 10.5 km | 159,520 | Monitoring and reinforcement |
| Pakur (Delmet) | 12 km | N/A | Critical sections completed |
| Bentiu Town | 26 km | N/A | Upgrades ongoing |
Additional funding is urgently required to sustain flood mitigation works. Current funds will only allow routine dyke maintenance until February 2026. The upcoming dry season presents a critical window to complete upgrades and reinforce drainage systems.
Bentiu lies in one of South Sudan’s lowest flood basins, surrounded by the Sudd wetlands. Protective dykes, improved since the 2021 floods, now support five IDP sites and surrounding towns. Future plans for 2026 include raising dyke heights and widths and applying nature-based solutions to enhance resilience.
IOM leads integrated programmes in Unity State, including site management, water and sanitation, protection, health, disaster risk reduction, and livelihoods support. Through the ECRP project, funded by the World Bank, IOM works with the Government of South Sudan to safeguard displaced communities against flooding and emergencies.
