The first episode of the series, Poisoned Floods, from the BBC World Service’s award-winning investigative unit BBC Africa Eye, gains rare access to the severely affected region of Unity State in South Sudan, where 77% of the country had at least one month of drought last year, and half the country was in extreme drought for at least six months.
At the same time, more than 700,000 people have been affected by flooding.
Some of those affected now live in Bentiu camp – a home to 140,000 displaced people, which has been surrounded by water for close to five years. At the worst point, two-thirds of the state was underwater. People are forced to forage for food like water lily roots to supplement UN rations.
But, the BBC has been shown evidence that the floodwater may harbour another threat to the region’s vulnerable inhabitants – pollution from the country’s oil industry.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC World Service, a former engineer with the South Sudanese oil consortium Greater Pioneering Oil Company tells the BBC that the oil could be a “silent killer.” The BBC put these allegations to the GPOC and to the South Sudanese government, who did not respond.
Poisoned Floods are now available to watch on the BBC News Africa’s YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer (UK only).
An audio version of Poisoned Floods is available under the BBC World Service’s award-winning podcast strand, The Documentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Podcasts Premium (via Apple Podcasts) and all major podcast platforms from Monday, 11 November. The episode will also be broadcast on BBC World Service English radio on Thursday 14 November.
Fiona Crack, Deputy Director, BBC World Service, says: “Life at 50°C explores the urgent and evolving consequences of climate change. This series not only examines how the crisis is reshaping our planet and the lives of people globally but also highlights the remarkable efforts being made to build a more sustainable future. I’m proud of the BBC World Service teams behind these important investigations and know audiences will find each one compelling.”
Monica Garnsey, Executive Producer of Life at 50, says: “This year’s series explores the devastating reality of water scarcity and couldn’t have happened without the brave contributors who reveal the challenges that are affecting their way of life. Our work underscores the vital role of journalism in uncovering the truth, shedding light on critical issues and giving a voice to communities and people who are often ignored.”
Where to follow the second series of ‘Life at 50°C: Water Crisis’
- Watch: Via BBC iPlayer in the UK and internationally on the BBC News channel, BBC News Africa’s YouTube channel and BBC.com
- Listen: The audio series is available on BBC World Service English’s award-winning podcast strand, The Documentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Podcasts Premium (via Apple Podcasts) and all major podcast platforms from Monday, 11 November and broadcasts on BBC World Service English radio on Thursday 14 November, 10:30 GMT.
BBC World Service
