By Sirir Gabriel Yiei Rut
October 20, 2019 (SSNA) — Flood is one of the deadly natural disasters. It’s catastrophic and dangerous. It is caused by nature or the natural processes of the earth. Two weeks ago, Bieh State, Sobat State, and Adar State were engulfed by angry waters. The flood has demolished huts and stores and forcefully ousted the suffering communities and their livestock inhabiting those areas. The humanitarian organizations working in both states have witnessed the severity of the flood and the conditions of the people. Their bases destroyed.
It’s baffling and minds boggling that the access points (Airstrips and Roads) for humanitarian aids are not accessible for now. The affected communities are suffering from contagious diseases and yet God has refused to grant them space for service delivery. Special prayers from all religious denominations are needed and I’m recommending the UN agencies to use rivers and spaces (airdrops) to deliver food and emergency tools.
Lankien, Maban, Nyinanyang, Pibor, and Jikmiir are vulnerable to flood on account of their unique geo-climatic conditions. Many other areas are greatly affected too by the flood and many importance utilities like; Farms, schools, churches, and hospitals are ceased and brought to their knees by flood. It is heartbreaking that children currently swim from their mother’s compounds in those areas.
In this regard, it will be a great opportunity for the leaders to engage and lobby funds from the UNSC and International Diplomatic corps who came to grace the peace event at State House in Juba. Their contributions to provide humanitarian assistance might help the affected communities and further reduce the risks associated with the flood.
Sirir Gabriel Yiei Rut is Secretary-General of the SPLM-IO Youth League, Journalist, and Media Consultant. He can be reached at [email protected].