Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds on Saturday caused significant destruction in southern Malakal, Upper Nile State, killing one person and injuring 13 others, according to state authorities.
The Upper Nile State Information Minister told Eye Radio during its 1300 news programme that the storm damaged several homes, mainly affecting internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in the area.
The Minister said a 62-year-old man died during the incident, while the injured are currently receiving treatment at Malakal Teaching Hospital.
“I want to urge the people to remain calm, as the government is still in control of the area. We will inform them of any updates if there is any threat,” the Minister said.
He explained that the state government had already engaged humanitarian partners in preparation for emergency response efforts before the disaster struck.
“Additionally, I would like to inform you that we recently held a meeting with partners, NGOs, and UN agencies operating here in Upper Nile State. We called them together for an emergency response,” he said.
The Minister further confirmed that the affected communities are largely vulnerable IDPs from Pigi County in Jonglei State, who fled their homes in 2021 due to conflict and have since been living in Malakal without strong family or social support networks.
“Most of the affected people are vulnerable individuals from Northern Jonglei, specifically Pigi County. They are IDPs who fled due to conflicts in their area and arrived here in 2021. They have no relatives or support network in Malakal,” he said.
He added that authorities, together with humanitarian partners, are working to provide emergency shelter and other essential assistance to those affected by the storm.
“We are working with our partners to provide them with shelter and any other assistance they may need,” he said.
The Minister also noted that the wider region remains sensitive due to ongoing insecurity in nearby areas, describing it as strategically important as it connects Upper Nile State, Ruweng Administrative Area, and South Kordofan.
Authorities say assessments are ongoing as relief efforts continue in the affected areas of Malakal.
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