Families displaced by flooding in Fangak County of Jonglei State cram themselves on heaps of papyrus leaves as the entire area sinks underwater. (-)

An environmentalist has highlighted the need for increased awareness among communities impacted by climate disasters, such as floods, regarding resilience and adaptive strategies.

Gobi Moilinga, Project Manager of the Regional Climate Resilience Program, made these remarks during an interview with Eye Radio on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

He noted that climate change has impacted numerous communities across the country but encouraged them to adapt to these new realities.

Mr. Moilinga also urged the community to seek early warning information disseminated by the government through the media to take necessary precautions.

He emphasized that populations in flood-affected areas should enhance their resilience by adopting coping mechanisms that best suit their needs.

“We encourage communities to pay close attention to radio alerts and warnings issued by the Ministry of Water Resources. It is vital for communities to remain actively engaged in resilience-building activities,” said Moilinga.

“Communities should focus on adaptive resilience. While challenges have arisen and livelihoods have been impacted by climate change, it’s essential for people to adapt to these new realities and move forward,” he added.

The UN humanitarian agency said last week that floods have impacted over 735,000 people in 40 counties across the country, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis compounded by severe food insecurity and economic decline.

UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said since May, floods have damaged homes, crops, and infrastructure, disrupting education and health services and raising disease risks.