Mamer Abraham
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre (ICPAC) has warned that the northern part of South Sudan will the covered with flash floods in the coming week.
The other countries that will experience flash floods in the IGAD region include Sudan in the north and the Western Ethiopia, but South Sudan will be the most affected country in the region.
“Based on the current 7-day extreme rainfall forecast, there is the likelihood of isolated flash floods over southern Sudan, much of northern South Sudan & Western Ethiopia,” ICPAC predicted.
The regional weather forecast centre said the floods will result from heavy rainfalls that will leave water accumulated in water catchment areas
“Recent weather conditions indicate a high likelihood of heavy rainfall & rapid accumulation of water in localized areas. Since flashfloods can occur suddenly & pose a significant danger, member states may consider the following advisories,” the forecast continued.
The ICPAC urged the IGAD member states to follow eather reports an news channels for the update; make food, water, medication and flashlights available and heed to the orders of the local authorities and emergency instructions.
“Pay attention to local authorities & emergency services’ instructions & cautions. Follow their directions & collaborate with them,” it instructed.
In February, ICPAC predicted that countries lying north of the African continent might be hit by drought from March to May in some parts of Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Tanzania, and western South Sudan.
“The probability of drier than normal rainfall is also enhanced for parts of Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Tanzania, and western South Sudan,” the statement published by the ICPAC read.
However, on April 18, 2023, the chairperson of Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), Manase Lomole Waya estimated about 2.6 million South Sudanese were dsiplaced by floods, in flood assessment report.
“The floods have not only made movement double-crossing but have also caused the displacement of many people, including some who had returned from IDPS and refugee camps,” said Waya.
Waya argued that the floods could be a stumbling block to the implementation of the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
He added that the government allocated $20 million to purchase foods for the displaced persons in the states and administrative areas.
“The government allocated $20 million for the purchase of life-sustaining foodstuffs such as sorghum for the displaced persons and other affected people in states and administrative areas,” Manase said.
He urged the government to construct dykes as a means of mitigating the impacts of floods.
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