More than 1 million people have been affected by South Sudan’s recent floods and a quarter of those have been forced from their home.
South Sudan experiences a rainy season between April and November but this year’s has been particularly intense as a result of climate change. The Red Cross highlights that the amount of water falling in the rainy season has increased decade on decade. This is being exacerbated by the intense heat that comes in between these season which leaves the ground hard, preventing drainage.
Not only are people being forced from their homes but supplies of food and water are scarce. The South Sudanese government has provided only limited support to those affected and flooding (and the preceding drought) has destroyed most crops. The lack of clean water means that water-borne diseases such as typhoid are also on the rise.
This is why the Compassion Connectors in South Sudan have made it an urgent task to mobilise much-needed aid for survivors. James Akoon Akot issued an appeal for donations to GCC supporters and with the funds we received has, this week, been able to deliver food, soap, and water sanitation tablets to 32 of the most badly affected households in his region.
James said after the distribution:
“The recipients of the donations were extremely grateful for the support and expressed their heartfelt thanks to our generous donors for making this distribution possible. Many of the families mentioned that they were facing severe food shortages and were struggling to afford basic hygiene products.”
James and his team will be continuing to seek funding to support the impacted as well as calling for more support from the wider, international community.
If you’d like to make a donation to James’ crowdfunder, you can do so here.