Only three Payams out of the thirty have not been affected by the floods

By Yien Gattuor

Authorities in Mayiendit County, Unity State said two-thirds of the County has been submerged underwater by the flooding.

They said only three Payams out of the thirty have not been affected by the floods.

Marko Juong Magok, the commissioner of Mayiendit County told The City Review that the situation of flood-displaced people is terrible as they were forced out of the area.

 He appealed for the urgent delivery of aid to the affected people. “They need humanitarian assistance from the national government and state government including the local government,” he said.

“We are concerned about the situation of our people who have left their Payams to other Payams and they are lacking support but we have held meetings with several NGOs and they said they are to support the flood victims within the next few days,’ Magok added.

Unity state has had incidences of flooding that has devastated families and affected livelihoods.

In Mayom County, more than 40,000 residents late-last month faced the threat of floods and a humanitarian crisis following an overflow of water from Warrap State to three payams that included Puk, Rialthiang and Rihah.

Several victims and residents who spoke to The City Review said the floods caused devastating effects to people and destroyed crops.

According to one of the affected locals, Jany Gatluak, the community faced serious challenges from the ongoing rains, with crops and livestock facing the biggest brunt.

“Our crops and livestock have been affected by the floods. More than 500 farmers are counting losses, and 46,000 residents currently are facing the challenge of the rising waters. We have complained about these challenges so many times,” he said, and added:

“We were forced to leave the Puk, Rialthiang and Rihah payam within areas of Mayom County. The residents are now sheltering at the Ruthnyaibol payam,” said Gatluak.

The current flood waters had in September and October spread across the three payams, exacerbated by the heavy rains.  

“We are concerned about the situation of our people who have left their Payams to other Payams and they are lacking support but we have held meetings with several NGOs and they said they are to support the flood victims within the next few days,” Marko Juong Magok, the commissioner of Mayiendit County.