At least 132 people have lost their lives due to flooding and heavy rains in war-torn Sudan this year, according to the latest statement from the Sudanese health ministry. The country has been enduring an unusually intense rainy season since last month, which has brought torrential floods, particularly affecting the northern and eastern regions.
The health ministry’s statement detailed the widespread devastation caused by the floods, noting that 10 states have been impacted. The number of affected families has surged to 31,666, with a staggering 129,650 individuals directly impacted by the natural disaster. The ministry further reported that approximately 12,420 homes have been completely destroyed, while 11,472 others have suffered partial collapse due to the relentless rains. The hardest-hit areas include Sudan’s Northern and River Nile states, where the scale of destruction is unparalleled.
The floods are an annual occurrence in Sudan, often leading to significant damage and loss of life. However, this year’s flooding is particularly severe, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict that has gripped the nation for over 16 months. The war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army, led by the de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has already displaced millions of people. Many of these displaced individuals have been forced into areas that are now vulnerable to flooding, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred recently in the Arbaat area, north of Port Sudan, where intense rain caused the Arbaat Dam to collapse. The ensuing floods swept away entire villages, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Local resident Issa Adroub recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “The torrent swept away houses and animals… people went up to the mountains to protect themselves.” The dam’s collapse is particularly concerning as it was a crucial source of water for Port Sudan, a city that has seen an influx of officials and displaced persons since the conflict in Khartoum intensified.
In the aftermath of the disaster, local volunteers have been working tirelessly to assist in relief efforts. Tragically, 13 bodies, including those of women and children, have been recovered so far, and the search continues for 210 missing persons. The volunteers reported that 20 villages were completely washed away by the floods, while another 50 suffered extensive damage. The rain in this region is unusual for this time of year, as the area typically experiences rainfall in November and March, adding to the unpredictability and severity of the situation.
The flooding has also exacerbated an ongoing public health crisis in Sudan, with a significant surge in cholera cases reported amid the downpours. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, since June 2023, there have been at least 11,327 cholera cases in the country, with 316 fatalities. Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim attributed the cholera outbreak to “climatic conditions and water contamination,” underscoring the deadly combination of natural and man-made disasters currently plaguing the nation.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has only worsened the situation. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and obstructing humanitarian aid, which has severely hampered relief efforts in the flood-affected regions. The United Nations and other international organizations have repeatedly called for an end to the violence and for unrestricted access to provide aid to those in need.
As Sudan grapples with this multifaceted crisis, the international community’s support is crucial in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and in working towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The people of Sudan are facing unimaginable hardships, and without swift and comprehensive intervention, the situation could deteriorate even further.
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