(JUBA) – Residents of Juba’s Hai Referendum and Gumbo-Shirikat neighbourhoods have appealed to the government and humanitarian organisations for urgent intervention after recent heavy rains caused widespread flooding, damaging homes and displacing families.
The appeal follows days of rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems and left homes submerged, particularly in low-lying areas near the River Nile. Residents say the flooding, now a regular feature during rainy seasons, is getting worse each year and is forcing families to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
Charles Nhial Bol, a resident of Hai Referendum, said the flooding has damaged property, including houses with weak foundations and makeshift fences. He told the media that although the rainfall was not extreme by seasonal standards, the impact was severe due to poor infrastructure.
“The rain was not bad, but the wind was strong, and muddy homes could not withstand it. Some fences collapsed,” said Nhial. “Whenever it rains, people lose their belongings. We need the government and well-wishers to find a permanent solution to this.”
In Gumbo-Shirikat, which lies close to the banks of the River Nile, residents have reported even more serious damage. Dominic Oyyom Papa described the Monday rains as particularly destructive, noting that houses, roads and entire compounds were flooded beyond control.
“When the rain started, it was really heavy,” said Oyyom. “The water took over everything. Rooms collapsed, including my own house. We could do nothing. The water came in from every side. The entire area was submerged.”
According to Oyyom, the flooding left the neighbourhood in ruins, with residents unable to salvage belongings or secure shelter.
“The whole area is under water. Everything is damaged. We are just watching helplessly. We don’t know what to do other than wait and hope the water goes down,” he said.
He appealed for humanitarian support and government intervention, saying many families have no means to recover without outside assistance.
“We are suffering, and people need help. There’s no way to stop this flooding without support. We need urgent aid, and the government must step in,” Oyyom stated. “This message is not just for residents but for authorities who can fix drainage systems and plan for water to move during the rainy season.”
Both Nhial and Oyyom called for the government to take immediate steps to prevent further damage in future rainy periods. They emphasised the need for better infrastructure, proper drainage channels, and long-term urban planning to reduce flood risk in Juba’s growing neighbourhoods.
Juba City has long struggled with seasonal floods due to rapid urban growth, blocked drainage systems, and the proximity of settlements to flood prone areas. Residents say that without proper intervention, flooding will continue to displace families and undermine public health and safety.
South Sudanese authorities have yet to issue an official statement addressing the most recent flooding.
Summary of the affected areas and resident concerns:
| Location | Reported Impacts | Resident Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Hai Referendum | Collapsed fences, water damage to property | Need for permanent drainage solutions |
| Gumbo-Shirikat | Submerged homes, structural collapse | Immediate aid and drainage planning |
