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Populations in low-lying areas urged to move to high grounds

Author: Charles Wote | Published: June 6, 2024

Photo taken in June 2024 shows a woman standing in floodwaters in Panyijiar County of Unity State. Credit: Gatkuoth Phar

The National Ministry of Environment encourages people living in lowlands in South Sudan to move to higher grounds as the country anticipates flooding in the coming months.

Torrential rains in the East Africa region have swelled up Lake Victoria and triggered rising Nile water levels, which experts predict will cause catastrophic flooding downstream of South Sudan.

Photos shared online as of June 2024 show floodwaters have already overpowered weak dykes and submerged homesteads, pastures and farmlands in Panyijiar County of Unity State.

In a statement on World Environment Day, the Ministry also urges people in urban areas to dig drainage systems, and clear waterways and streams to avoid loss of lives ahead of the anticipated floods.

“On the expected flooding in the lowlands and floodplains, communities living in those areas are advised to relocate to high grounds to avoid loss of lives and properties,” said Jaden Tongun, the ministry’s undersecretary while reading out the statement on Wednesday.

“In cities and towns, people are advised to do drains, and clear drainage systems to channel runoff to the streams and rivers.”

Mr. Tongun further underscored the prevalence of practices that destroy the environment, including massive deforestation, and plastic pollution in towns, streams and rivers.

He said this is in addition to the unsustainable solid and liquid waste management and oil pollution in the oil-producing areas.

“The Ministry of Environment and Forestry urges all the citizens of South Sudan to protect and conserve the environment and embark on sustainable lifestyles because there is no planet B.”

The official added that the Ministry is unable to commemorate the day on Wednesday, but will mark the day later with a series of activities such as cleaning campaigns, tree planting and awareness raising.

This year’s national theme for the World Environment Day is; “Our Environment, Our Responsibility”

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