Oil waste kills thousands of animals in Unity state
Authorities in Unity State have said that about 117,750 animals have died since January due to drinking water contaminated with oil waste.
“Within this new year alone, we have recorded 117,750 animal deaths and this is because of flooding, oil pollution and environmental pollution. Trees have also dried up and we will soon face desertification,” Wadar Yak Mok the director general for the state ministry of agriculture environment and forestry told journalists on Thursday in Bentiu town.
He said that the most affected areas are Mayom County, Guit County and Rubkona County located north of Unity State.
“Actually what caused the death of these animals is water mixed with oil chemicals and that is why you sometimes hear about the birth of children born with deformities in the state,” Yak said.
He said that Veterinary Sans Frontier (VSF) is currently helping to carry out animal vaccination in Northern Unity State.
Yak urged humanitarian agencies to provide urgent assistance to prevent more animal deaths.
In 2023, the state ministry of agriculture, environment and forestry together with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) confirmed that more than 100,000 animals died in seven counties of Unity State.
Unity and Upper Nile States are home to operational oil fields in South Sudan.
