Over 18,500 people in Renk County’s flood-affected communities set to receive 190MT food assistance

The flooding that affected many areas in South Sudan has impacted an estimated 600,000 people, with Jonglei and Lakes states reportedly taking the worst. In Upper Nile State where World Vision has ongoing projects, the UN reported that 59,000 people were affected.

The recent needs assessment jointly conducted with partners has identified immediate needs that include water purification tablets, jerry cans for water storage, plastic sheets for temporary shelters, mosquito nets, medicines for malaria and diarrhea prevention, and fishing kits.

“Children are the most affected in the recent flooding in Upper Nile State. The people are already suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This disaster is adding to their misery”, appeals Inos Mugabe, World Vision’s Zonal Programme Manager (ZPM) in Greater Upper Nile Zone.

Over 18,500 people were validated and food distribution in Renk County is set this week supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and flood distribution teams. In nearby Kodok County, World Vision has completed distribution for 8,655 people with 145 MT of assorted food items also through the support of WFP.

The people are already suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This disaster is adding to their misery.

The ongoing relief operations have reached out to thousands of people in the state:

• 1.200 households provided with filter cloths and water purification tablets in Ashaab El Nil and Akoka Counties
• 69,095 people supplied with clean water in Renk and Fashoda Counties with ongoing quality monitoring to ensure safety
• 8,655 people reached with hygiene promotion and health risks campaign including handwashing and social distancing for COVID-19

The activities in the areas continue especially in 10 health facilities in Renk County lead by the community health workers reaching out to 3,026 people, 1,106 of whom are children. The needs are expected to be urgently needed in the coming weeks and months as the impact of the flood in the local economy worsens.

Many roads damaged are still impassable and more water and sanitation support will be needed by the flood survivors. “The immediate needs of the people require our attention and support at this very critical time”, concludes Mugabe.

Related Story: Severe flooding impacts Renk County population

Note: Main photo taken at relief distribution in Kodok County

Story by Cecil Laguardia, Communications Manager  I  Photos by the Greater Upper Nile Field Team