Heavy rains have triggered widespread flooding across South Sudan, killing 19 people and affecting nearly 640,000 residents across 26 counties in six states, according to the United Nations (UN).
The disaster has forced thousands to seek safety on higher ground, with many losing their homes, farmland, and access to essential services.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Friday that nearly 175,000 people are displaced, taking refuge in safer areas across 16 counties. The agency warned that the situation is putting enormous pressure on local communities, many of which were already struggling with limited resources.
"Health risks are rising, with increasing cases of malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrhoea," OCHA said in its latest report released in Juba, the capital.
The agency added that at least 121 health facilities have been affected by the floods, while 144 snake bites and 3,391 cases of malnutrition have been reported across 11 counties.
The humanitarian crisis comes amid concerns raised by Save the Children, which said about 1.4 million people in South Sudan are at risk of flooding this year. The charity highlighted that above-average rainfall is expected in October and November, which could worsen the situation.
Save the Children noted that entire communities have already lost farmland, homes, livelihoods, and access to schools and medical facilities. Rising waters have displaced 379,000 people, leaving many without basic necessities.
The charity also warned that waterborne diseases and snake bites are escalating public health concerns, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
Christopher Nyamandi, country director for Save the Children in South Sudan, said the hunger crisis is worsening and is often underreported, despite being one of the most severe globally.
He stressed the dangers ahead: "What lies ahead for children in South Sudan could be catastrophic. The heavy rainfall has already submerged towns and is expected to continue for weeks."
The UN and Save the Children called for urgent humanitarian support to help displaced families and reduce health risks. Authorities and aid organizations are working to provide temporary shelter, medical care, and food assistance, but rising water levels and ongoing rains are complicating relief efforts.
With floodwaters continuing to rise, thousands of families face uncertainty over the coming weeks, as both immediate and long-term recovery needs grow. The combined impact of displacement, health risks, and loss of livelihoods underscores the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian action in South Sudan.