On Tuesday, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed concern about the impact of fuel reserves depleting in South Sudan, which is hindering the delivery of aid in the country amid a crisis. Meanwhile, deadly flash floods have been reported in Somalia as a result of intensified seasonal rains. Flash floods have affected areas in Somaliland, Hirshabelle, South West States, and the Banadir region, with reports of four people dead.
In Ukraine, civilians were injured in an overnight attack in Odesa, following strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv Region. Aid workers reported injuries to civilians, including children, and damage to homes in Odesa. The situation is further exacerbated by nearly 100 attacks on health care facilities and workers in Ukraine this year alone. Humanitarian organizations have provided emergency assistance to affected families and supported medical services and primary health care.
As a result of fuel shortages and reduced support from UNMISS peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, urgent action is needed to ensure that assistance continues to be delivered across the country. The UN colleagues working on-site are unable to conduct many activities supporting communities in need due to the crisis situation.
The rains and floods are also expected to worsen the current outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera that has already affected more than 770,000 individuals across Somalia. The UN and its partners have increased response efforts by issuing early warnings, positioning flood task force teams, and identifying evacuation sites to assist more people affected by the floods. Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to mitigate the impact of this crisis on vulnerable communities across South Sudan and Somalia.
In conclusion, it is crucial for governments and international organizations alike to take immediate action towards addressing these crises affecting both South Sudan and Somalia. The impact of fuel shortages hinders aid delivery while flash floods pose a threat not only to human life but also exacerbate existing health issues such as acute watery diarrhoea and cholera outbreaks. Efforts must be made towards providing adequate support for communities affected by these crises while prioritizing security measures towards protecting vital infrastructure like healthcare facilities from attacks.
In Odesa city center: An ambulance with lights flashing drives past damaged buildings after an overnight strike hit civilian infrastructure (Photo: AP)
