(POCHALLA SOUTH COUNTY) – More than 100 families have been displaced and farmland destroyed after flash floods swept through four villages in Pochalla South County, Greater Pibor Administrative Area, local officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to Greater Pibor Information Minister Jacob Werchum, three consecutive days of heavy rainfall forced families to abandon their homes and seek temporary shelter in nearby villages. He said authorities are monitoring the situation as affected households face rising humanitarian needs.
The flooding has left farmlands submerged, raising fears of potential food shortages in the coming months. Residents rely heavily on subsistence farming, and officials warn that the loss of crops could intensify existing food insecurity in the region.
In the capital, Juba, torrential rain on Tuesday also triggered flooding in several neighbourhoods, causing widespread transport disruptions. The heavy downpour left major roads impassable, forcing schools and businesses in low-lying areas to close temporarily.
At Eloi Secondary School in Joppa, students preparing for end of term exams were unable to attend classes after their classrooms became submerged. Some pupils told Radio Miraya that flooding often interrupts lessons for days, leaving gaps in learning and delaying exams.
Local education officials said they are assessing the damage but warned that recurring floods in Juba pose serious challenges to the school system, particularly in areas without proper drainage. Parents and students have appealed for urgent intervention to prevent similar disruptions in future.
Impact of Floods in South Sudan
| Location | Impact | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Pochalla South (4 villages) | 100+ families displaced, farmland destroyed | Families sheltering in nearby villages |
| Juba (Eloi Secondary School, Joppa) | Classrooms submerged, exams suspended | School closure, assessments underway |
| Juba (transport) | Roads flooded, transport disrupted | Temporary suspension of movement in low areas |