Jonglei’s flood victims receive aid

October 10,2012 (BOR) – South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) distributed mosquito nets, blankets and other aid items to flood victims in Bor, Jonglei State, on Tuesday.

The Jonglei State director of the SSRC, David Gai Deer, said that the distribution was a joint initiative including other humanitarian agencies. It targeted 1,500 vulnerable people.

Jonglei’s capital, Bor, and surrounding areas are flooded, following heavy rains that began at the start of August.

In August Duk County Commissioner, Elija Mochnom, said 17,000 people have been displaced by flooding in his jurisdiction.

There is concern about the potential for an increase in the instances of waterborne disease which has come with the flooding; hence to necessity for the distribution of mosquito nets in the fight against malaria.

Collaborators included the International Organization for Migration, Save the Children, UN agencies and INTERSOS.

“We are working to help people who are more vulnerable in the communities by giving them materials to make their shelters,” said Gai.

“One single household is given two mosquito nets, two blankets, two mats […] because their villages were destroyed by floods and most of them have nowhere to move their families,” he added.

Bor resident Amuor Kuei, who had to leave her home two months ago due to the flooding, described her ordeal. She noted that they were unable to defend their homes as the water from the Nile came upon them rapidly.

Another resident, Mayen Lueth, said that many temporary homes built from mud had collapsed and that it would not be possible to rebuild them until next dry season.

In September, elsewhere in Jonglei, a resident of Twic was killed when flooding destroyed a dike.

(ST)