Mvolo Floods Trigger Humanitarian Crisis as Thousands Displaced and Crops Ravaged

In Western Equatoria State, relentless flooding has plunged communities into a severe humanitarian emergency, displacing thousands and decimating vital food sources. Local authorities report a growing crisis with no external aid in sight.

A Submerged Landscape, A Displaced Population

Wilson Dakada, the Coordinator for the Mvolo County Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), confirmed that nearly 3,000 households have been forced from their homes since the floods began in August. The rising waters have submerged entire villages across payams including Veri, Dari, and Lessi.

“More than 2,934 households have been affected, and others are yet to be registered because they are scattered,” Dakada stated, painting a picture of a crisis still unfolding. He delivered a stark assessment of the situation: “People are facing hunger, poverty, and lack of shelter. No support has reached us from the government or humanitarian partners.”

Life in the Aftermath: Sickness and Scarcity

With access roads severed by floodwaters, relief efforts are paralyzed. Displaced families are crammed into government buildings and open spaces, exposed to the elements due to a critical shortage of tents and tarpaulins.

The stagnant water has become a breeding ground for disease, significantly increasing the risk of malaria, infections, and other illnesses, particularly among children.

“Rain has destroyed all our houses. We are staying crowded in small rooms. Water is everywhere and children are sick with wounds on their feet and malaria,” shared Kezia Nedili, one of the many displaced residents. “We need emergency support.”

Agricultural Losses Threaten Long-Term Food Security

The devastation extends beyond immediate shelter. The floods have wiped out essential crops, destroying the community’s economic lifeline and threatening long-term food shortages.

“Our situation is tense,” explained community elder John Sadik. “Crops like sesame and groundnuts are gone, houses have collapsed, children are sick, and malaria is everywhere. The RRC reported the situation, but no support has come yet.” He issued a grave warning that further delays in assistance could lead to widespread hunger and disease.

Community Rallies with Self-Help Amid Overwhelming Need

Faced with an absence of outside help, the community has launched its own valiant relief efforts. According to community mobilizer Sila Jackson Aparu, local youths and elders have pooled resources to purchase 1,000 plastic sheets and 500 mosquito nets, registering over 500 households for support in the Veri area.

“We are trying our best as a community, but we lack transport, resources, and food,” Aparu said. “People are hungry and living in poverty.” This grassroots initiative highlights both the resilience of the people and the sheer scale of the unmet need.

Attempts to secure a comment from state government officials regarding the flood response were unsuccessful.

Source: Adapted from an original report by Radio Tamazuj.