50,000 displaced by Unity state flooding

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

September 28, 2012 (BENTIU) – 50,000 people are fleeing Mayiandit county of Unity state compeling a team of officials led by the state speaker to fly to the area on Friday.

The Unity state speaker Simon Maguek Gai told Sudan Tribune on Friday that more than 50,000 people are displaced by flooding in Mayiandit, contrary to reports in August and September of 30,000. He warned of the risk this is posing in terms of waterborne disease, as well as displacement of the population.

Ngut Nyak, an elder from the affected Mayiandit communities, called upon the Gai to offer a swift response as their property remains at risk.

He suggested that a dyke syste be implemented around the affected villages.

The flooding will also have implications for future food supplies as it has caused widespread crop damage.

Calling on non-governmental organisations for assistance on Friday, Gai told journalists Mayiandit is totally submerged by the flooding and that there is an urgent need to assist its victims.

The citizens of the area have reported 50 instances of snake bites including one fatality during the flooding as the water encourages the snakes to leave their dens.

Western Bhar-El-Gazal, Jonglei, and Unity state have been hard hit by flooding this year. Earlier in this month, flooding disrupted the lives of many in the Unity state capital, Benitu.

(ST)