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Khartoum. — At least 250 people have drowned as they were travelling on a boat from Malakal, capital of the Upper Nile State in South Sudan, to flee alleged attacks by forces of ex-vice president Riek Machar on the town, Upper Nile State’s information minister told Xinhua yesterday.
“The boat drowned with about 255 people on board. Only two children have been rescued,” said Upper Nile State’s information minister Philip Jiben. “The boat was carrying those people who intended to flee from Malakal town after incorrect news were circulated that Machar’s forces were attacking the town,” he added.

He reiterated that the situation in Malakal was calm, refuting media reports that Machar forces attacked Malakal and seized some parts of it. — Xinhua.