By Abdullahi Lukman
Severe flooding across Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity states in northern South Sudan has displaced tens of thousands and may force up to 400,000 people from their homes by year’s end, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR’s representative in South Sudan, warned that if flooding persists, displacement could surpass 2024 levels.
The peak of the crisis is expected between September and October, with entire communities at risk of being cut off and rising threats to food security and protection—particularly for women and girls.
Floodwaters have already submerged homes, schools, health centers, farmlands, and safe water sources.
The loss of livestock and contamination of latrines have worsened health conditions, raising concerns over new disease outbreaks amid an ongoing cholera crisis that has already affected over 15,000 people.
In 2025, the UNHCR has provided emergency assistance—including cash aid and shelter materials—to 150,000 of the most vulnerable.
It continues to work with the South Sudanese government and UN partners, though operations have been scaled back in heavily flooded Unity State due to a funding shortfall.
As of July, only one-third of the nearly $300 million required for humanitarian operations had been received.
Efforts to build long-term climate resilience are underway.
The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has partnered with the Ministry of Water Resources on a $9.9 million Climate Resilience Project aimed at supporting flood-affected and refugee-hosting communities.
