On September 25, 2024, heavy floods devastated Koch County in Unity State, submerging eight villages and displacing numerous residents.
The Director of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Koch County, Ruot Riak Teny, confirmed the widespread destruction caused by the floods.
“As I speak, several villages have been overrun by these floods, including Buong Boma, Kuertuoc, Bieh Boma, and Ruol Boma under Mirmir Payam; Gany Payam and Dil Boma under Pakur Payam; and Padeah under Kuachlual Payam in Koch town,” Teny reported. “Many displaced people are now living without food, shelter, or clean drinking water.”
Teny highlighted the critical shortages facing the displaced populations, including a lack of food, medical supplies, and clean water.
He explained that his office, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations, conducted a joint assessment of the flood-affected areas.
These organizations have pledged to provide essential relief, including food, plastic sheets, and other humanitarian items, to assist the displaced.
“This flood is far more severe than previous ones, displacing several villages that were not affected before,” Teny noted. “The water is moving much faster and deeper. We are urgently calling on the Unity State government to intervene with strong dike construction efforts, or the situation will only worsen.”
Teny also mentioned that a dike constructed along the Koch town-Tharjieth oil company road near Padeah was overtaken by the floods the previous night.
The severity of the floods has affected southern Unity, with villages in Koch, Leer, Panyijiar, and Mayendit counties facing heightened concerns of displacement.
