Bor flood victims receive assistance

November 2, 2014 (JUBA) – Some 1,200 households affected by recent flooding in Jonglei state’s Bor county have received essential assistance in the form of tents and utensils over the weekend, officials said.

David Gai, the director of Red Cross in Jonglei state, told Sudan Tribune that communities in Bor town and Pariak are the first beneficiaries.

“Flood-affected people in Bor and surrounding areas are assisted with essential household kits, including shelters targeting,” Gai said by phone from Bor.

Heavy downpours submerged homes in Bor and displaced 1,200 households sheltering some 64,000 individuals, according to local officials from South Sudan’s Red Cross.

The rising floodwaters affected villages surrounding Jonglei state capital Bor, including Pariak, some 20km along the Juba road.

According to Gai, 1500 fishing kits will be distributed to flood victims next week to help families cope with food shortages created by the destruction of cereal crops by flooding.

Gai said similar assistance is also being offered to families affected by floods in the rebel-controlled Akobo and Waat areas.

“We are coordinating with our [Red Cross] volunteers in those areas to ensure that everybody is assisted,” he said.

(ST)