South Sudan warns of possible severe flooding as Lake Victoria levels rise
South Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has warned of possible severe flooding following projections of rising water levels in Lake Victoria and increased water flows downstream through the Nile River.
Wol Mapal
South Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has warned of possible severe flooding following projections of rising water levels in Lake Victoria and increased water flows downstream through the Nile River.
The warning follows a notification from Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment dated September 15, 2026, shared under the technical cooperation framework of the Nile Basin Initiative.
According to the South Sudanese ministry, forecasts from Uganda, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre and the Decision Support System indicate above-normal rainfall across the Lake Victoria basin, partly driven by El Niño conditions.
“The water levels in Lake Victoria are expected to reach record-high levels, prompting increased water releases downstream through the River Nile,” National Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Hon. Gen. James Mawich Makuac, said in the statement.
The ministry said hydrological simulations indicate that increased downstream flows could result in severe riverine flooding in South Sudan, with Juba City and surrounding low-lying areas among those facing potential risks.
It warned that flooding could cause damage to property and infrastructure and disrupt livelihoods in affected communities.
Several areas potentially at risk
The ministry identified a number of states and administrative areas that could potentially be affected, including Eastern Equatoria, Warrap, Upper Nile, Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Unity, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Abyei, Pibor and Ruweng.
Despite the warning, the ministry said current hydrological measurements along the Nile from Nimule to Renk and from Nasir to Bentiu remain below flood-alert levels.
It cautioned, however, that the situation could change rapidly as increased water flows move downstream.
The warning comes after reduced rainfall between June and September 2026 reportedly contributed to severe drought in several parts of South Sudan, affecting livestock, agriculture and access to water.
Authorities urged to prepare
The ministry is calling for immediate flood-prevention and preparedness measures in cooperation with relevant government institutions and development partners.
Among the recommended measures are the establishment of early-warning and water-level monitoring systems, strengthening flood-control infrastructure such as dykes, and protecting water infrastructure, water yards and boreholes.
“The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in collaboration with the relevant institutions and development partners, is to put in place some flood precautionary mitigation measures,” Makuac said.
He listed early-warning and water-reading systems, stronger flood-control infrastructure and protection of water facilities among the measures required.
The ministry has also urged residents living along riverbanks to remain on maximum alert and prepare to relocate to higher ground if necessary.
Local authorities have been asked to activate emergency flood task forces to monitor flood-control infrastructure and coordinate preparedness measures.
Ministry to brief National Council of Ministers
The ministry said it will submit a memorandum on the anticipated rise in water levels and associated flood risks to the National Council of Ministers through the Economic Cluster for consideration and necessary decisions.
It also said it will continue monitoring developments in coordination with Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment and provide timely updates on anticipated downstream water flows.