Brief World News Updates: South Sudan Implements New Taxes, Somalia Experiences Flash Flooding, Ukraine Faces Attacks

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated on Tuesday that many activities in support of communities in need across the country are at a standstill until certain individuals are released. In South Sudan, UN colleagues have relayed that fuel reserves are running low, preventing the delivery of millions of dollars in aid during the ongoing crisis. The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, has reduced its support, prompting the Head of the mission, Nicholas Haysom, to call for urgent action to ensure continuous support.

In Somalia, deadly flash floods have occurred due to intensified seasonal rains between April and June known as the “Gu” rains. Reports from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have indicated that regions such as Somaliland, Hirshabelle, South West States, and the Banadir region have been affected, resulting in four reported deaths. In response, the UN and its humanitarian partners have stepped up efforts by issuing early warnings, deploying flood task force teams, and preparing evacuation sites. The rains and floods may impact over 770,000 people and worsen the current outbreak of acute watery diarrhea and cholera.

In Ukraine, there have been reports of civilians being injured in an overnight attack in Odesa and damages to homes. This incident follows strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv Region that resulted in casualties and disrupted telecommunications. Families in Odesa have received assistance from humanitarian organizations, supporting the delivery of emergency medical services and mental health care by Ukrainian authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented nearly 100 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine in 2024, indicating a dire situation in the country.