Rising Waters Engulf Akobo County
Seasonal rains have pushed the Pibor and Akobo rivers beyond their banks, inundating villages across Jonglei’s Akobo County.
Local officials estimate 3,042 households, split almost evenly between East and West Akobo, now camp on shrinking islands of high ground.
Human Stories Amid the Deluge
Nyayany Mai watches water lap at her doorway after two huts collapsed. “The flood is threatening my entire family,” she explains, clutching her children.
From Bore Boma, Duoth counts dwindling sorghum stocks. “We need support for food, fishing equipment, plastic sheets and buckets,” he pleads, while elderly William Deng Gol fears sleepless, mosquito-filled nights.
Health and Wildlife Threats Escalate
Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, raising malaria risk, while displaced snakes slither into compounds. Youth leader Koang Reath urges supplies of anti-venom and soap before “another crisis follows the water.”
Aid Response and Government Coordination
Relief and Rehabilitation Commission coordinator Nhial Lew confirms a multi-agency assessment set for Tuesday to refine figures and prioritise needs.
County authorities advise immediate evacuation to higher ground, promising river transport where possible as partners position food, shelter kits and mobile clinics in neighbouring counties.
Looking Ahead for Resilience
Climate analysts warn that longer wet seasons could make flooding a recurrent emergency. Officials propose raised dykes, early-warning systems and diversified livelihoods to strengthen community resilience.
For now, plastic sheets, canoes and compassion remain the thin line between survival and further loss for Akobo’s marooned families.