10/09/2026
10 SEPTEMBER 2026 - DJIBOUTI- A regional climate prediction center has warned that South Sudan could face an increased risk of flooding and other climate-related emergencies between October and December due to a predicted strong El Niño event.
In a forecast issued today, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, ICPAC, says the predicted El Niño could bring increased rainfall across the eastern Horn of Africa, raising the risk of intense rainfall, flash floods and riverine flooding.
The forecast comes as South Sudan is already experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with reports of crops drying up in several parts of the country.
Communities in Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes and parts of Equatoria have reported rainfall shortages and crop losses, raising concerns about food availability in the coming months.
ICPAC says the October-to-December period is particularly important for the equatorial and southern Greater Horn of Africa, contributing up to 70 percent of annual rainfall in some parts of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
Although South Sudan is not among the countries where the October-to-December season contributes the largest share of annual rainfall, its geographical and hydrological links with the wider Nile and Greater Horn region mean heavy rains in the region could affect communities already vulnerable to flooding.
South Sudan has also experienced repeated flooding in recent years, leaving thousands of people displaced and damaging homes, crops, roads and other infrastructure. The IGAD climate center is urging governments and humanitarian agencies across the region to use the forecasts to take early and anticipatory action and draw lessons from previous climate-related disasters.
