JUBA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people, including eight women and a two-year-old child, died after a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Kajo-Keji County of South Sudan's Central Equatoria State on Wednesday evening, a local official said Thursday.
Wani Jackson Mule, commissioner for Kajo-Keji County, said the accident occurred when a Toyota Land Cruiser carrying 14 passengers attempted to cross an overflowing stream in the town.
"The vehicle was coming from Juba, carrying people who were traveling for a funeral. When it reached the stream, which had overflowed due to heavy rains, it was swept off by the fast-moving water," Mule told Xinhua by phone from Kajo-Keji.
He said rescue teams responded quickly and managed to save five people who are currently receiving treatment. Three of the survivors were airlifted to Juba for further medical care, while two are being treated locally.
Seasonal rains frequently cause rivers and streams to overflow in South Sudan, posing risks to communities, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure and safe crossing points. ■
