Brief World News: South Sudan imposes taxes, Somalia experiences flash floods, Ukraine faces attacks

The United Nations is facing a critical situation in South Sudan as fuel reserves are running low, hindering the delivery of much-needed aid to communities in need amidst the country’s crisis. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that without the release of fuel reserves, many activities in support of the communities across the country cannot be conducted.

In Somalia, deadly flash floods have hit several regions, claiming the lives of four people. The seasonal rains, known as the “Gu” rains, have intensified, causing widespread flooding in Somaliland, Hirshabelle, South West States, and the Banadir region. The UN and its humanitarian partners have ramped up response efforts by issuing early warning messages, positioning flood task force teams, and identifying evacuation sites to assist the more than 770,000 people affected by the floods.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, civilians were injured in an overnight attack in Odesa, following strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv Region that resulted in casualties and disrupted telecommunications. Humanitarian organizations are providing emergency, psychological, and legal assistance to affected families in Odesa, supporting the delivery of essential services by Ukrainian authorities. The World Health Organization has reported nearly 100 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine in 2024, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect civilians and ensure access to critical services.