South Sudan on Alert as Nile Water Levels Rise

(JUBA) – The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has reported rising water levels across several river stations in South Sudan, warning that parts of the country remain at risk of flooding.

According to the latest daily update issued on 21 August 2025, monitoring stations along the Nile and its tributaries show elevated levels, with some locations already surpassing danger thresholds.

At Mangala Station on the Bahr el Jebel, water levels were recorded at 14.91 metres. Although slightly lower than the previous reading, this measurement remains within the high flood category. In Juba, the same river measured 13.07 metres, placing it at alert level.

In Bor, water levels stood at 13.93 metres, a slight decrease but still above the alert threshold. Malakal Station on the White Nile recorded 14.04 metres, reflecting a rising trend. Anakdiar Station on the Sobat River showed 4.83 metres, also increasing.

Other monitoring stations displayed more mixed results. Nimule and Nyamlel recorded normal levels but with an upward trend, while Wau reported normal levels that are now decreasing. The Payii station in Yirol did not provide updated figures.

The Ministry cautioned that the combination of high readings at Mangala and Juba indicates that downstream communities are likely to face mild to moderate flooding in the coming weeks. As a result, all Nile monitoring stations have been placed under alert status.

Officials stressed that the government remains committed to providing timely early warning information to help communities prepare for possible disasters. The Ministry urged people in flood prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures to reduce risks to lives and property.

To illustrate the situation, the Ministry provided a summary of current river levels:

Flooding has been a recurring challenge for South Sudan during the rainy season.

The statement concluded with a call for vigilance, noting that the next update will provide further detail on trends and risks as more data becomes available.