Why is the world's newest country facing an existential threat?

Climate activist Wendy Ahonda explains the devastating floods in South Sudan.
By
Teodosia Dobriyanova
 on 
An image of Wendy Ahonda in a life jacket juxtaposed with an aerial shot of a submerged area in South Sudan
Watch Next

Mashable's short documentaries feature compelling individuals, innovations, and movements from around the world.


South Sudan, the world's newest country, has been grappling with extreme weather events for almost half of its independent history.

Devastating floods in South Sudan have displaced millions of people, subsequently worsening the country’s ongoing conflict and food security crisis. The U.N. estimates that around two-thirds of South Sudan’s population of 10 million will not have enough to eat during the lean season in 2023, which runs from April until July.

To find out about the crisis first-hand and the severe impact climate change is having on the country, Mashable spoke to Wendy Ahonda, a young climate activist from South Sudan, who has been campaigning with UNICEF for the past few years. In the aftermath of the floods in October 2022, she traveled to flood-struck areas to gather information about the needs and problems of those most affected by the crisis.

Topics Activism Nature

Picture of Teodosia
Teodosia Dobriyanova
Video Producer

Teodosia is a video producer at Mashable UK, focussing on stories about climate resilience, urban development, and social good.


More from Mashable Originals
A free algorithm can turn your garden into art for pollinators
A colourful render shows an illustrated POV of a pollinator as it flows through a garden patch. Caption reads "Algorithmic gardens/"

How the Sydney Opera House changed the world of architecture
A split-screen shows a B&A photographs of the Sydney Opera House' during its buildng (left) juxtaposed with an aearial shot of the Opera House now. The Sydney Harbour bridge emerges in the background. Caption reads: "Building the house."

How drones are changing the way we fight wildfires
A drone hovering over a wildfire

‘Rye Lane’ includes the ultimate scene of meeting up with an ex
The director and two stars of Rye Lane embrace in a colourful room.


Latest Videos
Jon Stewart breaks down how many authoritarian leader boxes Trump is ticking
A man in a suit sits behind a talk show desk, grinning.




'Eddington' trailer: Joaquin Phoenix doomscrolls through 2020 in Ari Aster's latest
Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in "Eddington."

John Oliver takes a deep dive into Trump's tariffs
A man in a suit sits behind a talk show desk.


'SNL' Weekend Update takes on Trump's tariffs on China
Two men in suits sit behind a news desk in front of a world map backdrop, appearing to host a news or comedy segment.

Trump interrupts 'Jesus,' riffs on Easter, tariffs, and more in 'SNL' cold open
Man in blue suit with red tie

Michael Shannon and Judy Greer on the profound poignancy of 'Eric LaRue'
Eric LaRue

Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu play 'Slash or Pass: Doctor Who Edition'
By Kristy Puchko and Warren Shaw
'Doctor Who' Slash or Pass
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!