156,000 people affected by torrential rains, floods in Sudan

August 27, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Torrential rains and flood have affected more than 156,000 people, raising fears an impending health crisis in Sudan.

A new report issued by the Civil Defence of Sudan’s police forces said poor infrastructure arising from river levels rise makes it difficult evacuate people.

The least 89 people, it noted, have died and 40 others injured due to floods.

Floods and torrential rains, according to the report released on Saturday, also damaged 53,000 homes and dozens of facilities, with additional rains expected in Khartoum, Al-Jazeera, Gedaref, Sennar, Kassala and Red Sea.

The report also reveals the collapse of over 53,000 houses whether completely or partially, in addition to 68 facilities, including 46 that belong to the educational sector, in addition to 70 stores and warehouses, death of 381 heads of livestock and the flooding of 2,730 acres of cultivated land.

Report indicates that the Nile River rose at Khartoum, Shandi and Dongola stations, but decreased in the stations of Wad Madani, Atbara and Al-Dim.

Meanwhile, the authorities reportedly started receiving Emarati humanitarian aides, which includes 30 tons of tents for the flood-hit victims.

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) had reportedly offloaded health and nutrition supplies, in addition to water tanks and purification tablets which are going to be distributed to children and most affected families.

At least 16 out of 18 states of Sudan, the report noted, face torrential floods and heavy rain, but Al-Jazeera state remains the hardest hit, with thousands of people forced to abandon their flooded homes from every direction.

(ST)