Humanitarian Crises in South Sudan, Somalia and Ukraine: Urgent Action Needed to Avert Disaster

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. The situation has resulted in many activities in support of communities in need across the country being postponed until it is resolved, according to UN colleagues in South Sudan. Meanwhile, support from the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, has been reduced and urgent action is needed to ensure that assistance continues.

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. 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 than 770,000 individuals impacted by the floods. The rains and floods are also expected to worsen the current outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera.

In Ukraine, civilians were injured in an overnight attack on Odesa following strikes on civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv Region. Aid workers reported injuries to civilians including children and damage to homes in Odesa. Humanitarian organizations have provided emergency psychological and legal assistance to affected families supporting medical services and primary healthcare delivery. The World Health Organization has reported nearly 100 attacks on health care facilities since 2024