Climate Resilience: Tackling flood risks in South Sudan
- South Sudan ranks 7th globally for population exposure to river floods, facing severe challenges in preparedness and management.
- This ESA GDA Climate Resilience case study used EO data to analyse rainfall patterns, map flood hazards and provide actionable insights for decision-makers.
- With EO technology and strategic planning, South Sudan is strengthening its flood response and adapting to an uncertain climatic future.
In this insightful discussion in the video below, prominent figures in the field shed light on the innovative approaches and strategies being employed to combat the pressing challenges posed by climate-induced flooding in the region.
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
- South Sudan ranks 7th globally for population exposure to river floods, facing severe challenges in preparedness and management.
- This ESA GDA Climate Resilience case study used EO data to analyse rainfall patterns, map flood hazards and provide actionable insights for decision-makers.
- With EO technology and strategic planning, South Sudan is strengthening its flood response and adapting to an uncertain climatic future.
In this insightful discussion in the video below, prominent figures in the field shed light on the innovative approaches and strategies being employed to combat the pressing challenges posed by climate-induced flooding in the region.
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
Between 1970 and 2019, 82% of climate-related deaths occurred in developing countries, with South Sudan among the most vulnerable.
Recurrent floods have displaced communities, destroyed habitats, and inflicted economic losses. Political instability, limited financial resources, and a lack of monitoring infrastructure complicate flood management.
To address these challenges, ESA’s GDA Climate Resilience thematic activity, in partnership with GMV and the World Bank, introduced EO-based solutions.
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
Between 1970 and 2019, 82% of climate-related deaths occurred in developing countries, with South Sudan among the most vulnerable.
Recurrent floods have displaced communities, destroyed habitats, and inflicted economic losses. Political instability, limited financial resources, and a lack of monitoring infrastructure complicate flood management.
To address these challenges, ESA’s GDA Climate Resilience thematic activity, in partnership with GMV and the World Bank, introduced EO-based solutions.
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
Using Sentinel-1, VIIRS, and global datasets, GMV’s team mapped flood extent, frequency, and duration, as well as exposure analysis, for selected target areas.
The results revealed flood hotspots, affected populations, and critical infrastructure risks.
Partner Telespazio analysed precipitation trends in the country, as well as neighbouring countries that drain towards South Sudan.
This analysis helped South Sudan to obtain evidence of an increase of precipitation outside their national boundaries.
A key finding: rainfall over Lake Victoria directly influences flooding in South Sudan, strengthening regional water management cooperation.
EO services are vital for a country grappling with fragility, conflict and floods.
We’re strengthening national capacities and integrating EO into World Bank-financed operations to improve flood management and resilience.
Alex Chunet,
Earth Observation Applications Specialist
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
Using Sentinel-1, VIIRS, and global datasets, GMV’s team mapped flood extent, frequency, and duration, as well as exposure analysis, for selected target areas.
The results revealed flood hotspots, affected populations, and critical infrastructure risks.
Partner Telespazio analysed precipitation trends in the country, as well as neighbouring countries that drain towards South Sudan.
This analysis helped South Sudan to obtain evidence of an increase of precipitation outside their national boundaries.
A key finding: rainfall over Lake Victoria directly influences flooding in South Sudan, strengthening regional water management cooperation.
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
Building on GDA’s success, the World Bank is expanding EO applications to enhance South Sudan’s flood and drought preparedness.
Additional funding from GFDRR and CREWS funds supports a GMV-led initiative integrating EO data into a comprehensive visualisation tool, refining hazard maps, and improving water management strategies.
Several workshops focused on EO and other geospatial dataset for water resources management were held to ensure lasting impact of the activities.
Training and local ownership are key. When South Sudanese experts can analyse and use hydrological data themselves, Earth Observation becomes more than a technology: it becomes a tool for national self-reliance and better preparedness.
Beatriz Revilla-Romero,
Senior Flood Risk specialist and Project Manager at GMV
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
Building on GDA’s success, the World Bank is expanding EO applications to enhance South Sudan’s flood and drought preparedness.
Additional funding from GFDRR and CREWS funds supports a GMV-led initiative integrating EO data into a comprehensive visualisation tool, refining hazard maps, and improving water management strategies.
Several workshops focused on EO and other geospatial dataset for water resources management were held to ensure lasting impact of the activities.
Location
South Sudan
Institutions
EO impact key takeaways
- Improved flood preparedness: EO-driven insights complemented local knowledge, which relied on traditional flood estimates, by offering up-to-date information across a broader geographical extent.
- Stronger regional collaboration: Linking rainfall trends to flooding encouraged cross-border cooperation.
- Enhanced decision-making: A national flood hazard map supports more innovative investments and resource allocation.
- Sustained EO adoption: Capacity-building ensures long-term resilience and flood risk management.
By taking advantage of EO technology, South Sudan is transforming its approach to flood management - building resilience today for a more secure tomorrow.
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