UN warns of severe flooding risk in Bentiu, South Sudan

The UN warned on Thursday that Bentiu in South Sudan could face severe flooding sooner than expected. Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the UN’s acting humanitarian coordinator in the country, called on the government and its partners to strengthen preparedness without delay, according to Eyeradio.

Water levels remain high, and the possibility of an especially intense El Niño could increase the risk, he said at a ministerial meeting on durable solutions for displaced people. He called for what had previously been considered a longer-term possibility to be treated as an immediate priority.

Balakrishnan called for concrete measures with deadlines, clearly assigned responsibilities and resources. To reduce dependence on humanitarian aid, he advocated both preventing new crises and enabling displaced people to rebuild their lives through voluntary return, local integration or resettlement.

This strategy should include better water management, access to essential services, livelihoods, land and housing, as well as investment in host communities. The UN official cited the sites of Pakur and Dobore as examples of progress towards resettlement and more sustainable living conditions. Territorial coordination initiatives are also under way in Bentiu, Malakal and Wau.