South Sudan: Flooding Situation Flash Update No. 6 (As of 10 October 2025)

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• As of 9 October, flooding has affected 886,106 people in 26 counties across six states, with Jonglei and Unity accounting for over 91 per cent.
• Damage to homes, crops, public facilities including schools, and boreholes was reported, and many roads remain impassable.
• Flood-affected populations including women, children, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities are exposed to increased risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse, particularly in overcrowded shelters and unstable environments.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Heavy rainfall and rising water levels of the River Nile continue to inundate multiple areas across the country. As of 9 October, flooding has affected 886,106 people in 26 counties across six states, with Jonglei and Unity accounting for over 91 per cent. Nearly 287,300 people have been displaced across 16 counties, sheltering on higher ground amid widespread damage to homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Of the people affected, 624,289 people are in Jonglei State, about 182,860 people are in Unity State, some 29,374 are in Upper Nile State, about 24,505 are in Central Equatoria State, 14,500 are in Western Equatoria and 10,578 people are in Warrap State.

The number of people affected is expected to increase as the rain continues, and assessments continue to verify people’s situations. Damage to homes, crops, public facilities including schools, and boreholes was reported, and many roads remain impassable. Flood-affected populations including women, children, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities are exposed to increased risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse, particularly in overcrowded shelters and unstable environments. Overcrowding heightens protection concerns, while the loss of livelihoods further erodes coping capacities. Rising cases of cholera, malaria, and respiratory infections are linked to limited healthcare access, as submerged roads and damaged facilities hinder services. Mobile clinics, emergency care, and disease surveillance are urgently needed.

Jonglei State

On 8 October, severe flooding was reported in Khorwac Town, Canal/Pigi County, following the overflow of the River Nile. All public facilities, including health centres, schools, and water points, have been submerged. Affected residents have relocated to higher ground for safety. Humanitarian partners are planning a rapid needs assessment to determine the immediate requirements of the affected population. With the support of an international NGO, the local community has begun constructing a dyke to help prevent further flooding.

Earlier, on 5 October, a health partner delivered medical supplies to health facilities in Khorwac, Kolanyang, and Diel, supporting communities impacted by both flooding and ongoing conflict in Canal/Pigi County.

Unity State

Since 29 September, continuous heavy rainfall has severely damaged roads in Rubkona and Bentiu Towns, rendering many areas inaccessible. Most southern parts of Rubkona County are now accessible only by canoe, which humanitarian actors are using to deliver critical assistance.

In Rotriak, severe flooding has submerged shelters and displaced families to roadside areas, where risks of injury and snakebites are rising. The main access roads remain flooded, forcing residents to make dangerous movements on foot, often at night.

On 3 October, UNMISS reported that dykes adjacent to the southern gate of the Bentiu UNMISS base are in poor condition and at imminent risk of breaching. A potential breach could flood large parts of Bentiu camp, affecting nearly 109,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The International Organization for Migration (IOM) began emergency repairs on 7 October to reinforce the dykes and mitigate risk.

Currently, hundreds of thousands of people in Bentiu and Rubkona remain below the water line, protected only by earthen dykes that require continuous monitoring and reinforcement. IOM is actively monitoring water levels and has developed an online dashboard to support real-time flood response coordination and information sharing. Flood Water Monitoring Dashboard

Upper Nile State

On 6 October, heavy rains and flooding in Makal Payam, Malakal County, displaced hundreds from six villages (Wau Collo, Makal Island, Oba, Wadjwok, Dot, and Athikong) to higher ground. The number of affected people is currently unknown. Reported needs include non-food items, medical supplies, and anti-venom.

OUTLOOK

Above-average rainfall is expected across most of South Sudan (September to December) heightening flood risks in already vulnerable areas according to IGAD weather prediction.

Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudan-flooding-situation-flash-update-no-6-10-october-2025