South Sudan floods affect nearly one million people, UN warns

October 25, 2025 (NEW YORK) – Nearly one million people have been affected by devastating floods across South Sudan, the United Nations said on Friday, compounding a dire humanitarian crisis already marked by conflict and disease outbreaks.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that as of Thursday, more than 960,000 people across six states have been affected, with Jonglei and Unity the most affected. An estimated 335,000 people have been displaced, many seeking shelter on higher ground.

The flooding has crippled access to healthcare, affecting over 140 health facilities. Nearly a third of these are damaged or fully submerged, disrupting essential services as the country battles outbreaks of cholera and malaria, OCHA added.

In the past week alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 104,000 malaria cases and 16 deaths, a 15 per cent rise from the previous week, which it linked directly to the flooding.

“South Sudan also faces ongoing conflict and acute food insecurity, and the flooding is compounding an already dire humanitarian situation in the country,” said Farhan Haq, a UN deputy spokesman.

Despite significant access challenges, humanitarian partners are on the ground delivering aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) is providing food and nutrition assistance to affected populations.

The WHO has delivered over 50 metric tonnes of medical supplies to Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states, including cholera and emergency health kits. Additionally, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing medical support. It has signed an $8.5 million agreement with South Sudanese authorities to build flood-resilient infrastructure in Bor Town, Jonglei State.