(UNITY STATE) – Widespread flooding in Unity State is driving extensive deforestation, raising serious environmental concerns and posing a long term threat to the region’s fragile ecosystem. Trees submerged in floodwaters for prolonged periods are dying and being harvested for firewood, creating a growing crisis that local residents, officials, and environmental organisations say must be addressed urgently.
Although floods have already displaced thousands, destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods, the environmental damage is emerging as an equally pressing issue. Large areas of woodland are vanishing as people turn to dead trees for survival, increasing the pace of deforestation.
“Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem, and we are losing that protection with every flood,” said James Gatloth, a resident of Koch County. “Many trees haven’t sprouted a single green leaf since the floods began. Once the waters recede, it will be difficult for the trees to recover.”
Flooding in Unity State, located in oil rich northern South Sudan, has become more frequent and intense, driven by climate change and poor infrastructure. The region now faces a compounding crisis: not only are communities at risk, but so is the environment that supports them.
A recent report by journalist Chuol Jany for the Catholic Radio Network outlines the depth of the environmental damage. It details how deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and weakened natural flood defences are taking hold across the state.
In Guit County, residents like Martha Nyagai have begun collecting and selling firewood from dead trees to support their families.
“When the floods destroyed the trees, people didn’t think to use them. So, I started collecting firewood,” said Nyagai. She now transports bundles on a motorbike, locally known as Recha, to Bentiu town where demand is rising. “At first, people didn’t see the value, but now many have joined me in this business.”
While Nyagai’s activity brings in much-needed income, it also points to a broader challenge: the absence of sustainable forest management and the risk of losing vital ecological systems permanently.
The South Sudanese environmental organisation Climate Change Adaptation and Smart Actions (CCASA) has warned that deforestation is worsening.
“Flooding has intensified logging activities. People are turning to forests for firewood and materials, especially in displaced areas,” said Thor Yohanes, CCASA’s Executive Director.
He noted that the government’s limited resources, ongoing insecurity, and weak enforcement of environmental laws are hindering effective responses. “The current policies are inadequate. Many programmes lack funding, community engagement and long term integration,” he added.
Yohanes warned that without proper drainage systems, many communities living near wetlands could face repeated displacement and food shortages.
Unity State Minister of Information Hon. Gatwech Bipal acknowledged the seriousness of the problem.
“The government has launched impact assessments and afforestation efforts, including the planting of one million trees in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This initiative began in April,” he said.
On the national level, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Hon. Joseph Bartel, confirmed that the government is promoting tree planting and working on climate resilience plans with affected states. “Government efforts are underway because we’re aware of the dangers ahead once the floodwaters recede,” Bartel said.
The environmental fallout from the floods comes as South Sudan grapples with worsening climate events. Humanitarian agencies, including UNHCR, UNICEF, and the South Sudan Red Cross, are currently involved in efforts to assist flood affected communities by providing shelter, health services, and reinforcing flood barriers.
These agencies are also addressing a spike in waterborne diseases and working to ensure food and livelihood support. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, with assistance from the World Bank, launched a radio awareness campaign in 2024 targeting flood prone regions including Greater Upper Nile, Lakes, and Eastern Equatoria. The campaign aims to educate the public about flood preparedness, environmental safety, and community resilience.
At the regional level, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is implementing a wide range of climate adaptation programmes in the Horn of Africa. These include groundwater management, early warning systems for climate-related disasters, and the integration of climate resilience into national disaster policies. IGAD is also backing women-led adaptation projects that strengthen grassroots environmental responses.
According to a ReliefWeb report from November 2024, floods have affected approximately 1.4 million people across 43 counties and the Abyei Administrative Area. Of these, nearly half were in Jonglei, Unity, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states. Around 375,000 individuals have been displaced in 21 counties and Abyei due to rising waters.
| Impact of 2024 Floods in South Sudan | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Affected Persons | 1.4 million |
| Displaced Individuals | 375,000 |
| Most Affected Regions | Unity, Jonglei, Northern Bahr el Ghazal |
| Counties Impacted | 43 |
| Tree Planting Target (Unity State, April 2025) | 1 million trees |
The combined local, national, and international responses highlight the scale of the crisis. But without sustained investment in flood control, forest restoration, and environmentally responsible livelihoods, the risk of permanent environmental degradation in Unity State and beyond remains high.
For South Sudan, particularly in flood prone areas like Unity State, the climate emergency is not a future threat but a present reality. Ensuring environmental protection must now be central to the country’s broader disaster and development strategies.
