Sudan flood death toll climbs to 148, aid access hampered

August 28, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The death toll from floods in Sudan has reached 148, with 246 injured across 11 states, the National Council for Civil Defence said on Wednesday, as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc and hamper aid delivery.

The worst-hit states include River Nile with 59 fatalities, Northern state with 31, and Red Sea state with 16, according to spokesman Major General Qureshi Hussein.

Floods have washed away roads and bridges, including key routes like the Haya-Atbara and Merowe-Dongola highways, disrupting transportation and access to affected areas.

The civil defence has been conducting evacuations and providing shelter, food, and other essentials to displaced people.

Hussein denied reports of difficulties in recovering bodies from the Arba’at Dam area due to deep water, saying trained divers and equipment are on the ground.

Despite efforts to stabilize the situation in the Arba’at Dam and Tokar areas, the arrival of more water from the Cooper Dolabiyai region has submerged additional neighbourhoods, further compounding the crisis.

With roads cut off, aid delivery by land has become impossible, prompting calls for urgent airdrops of food, medicine, and shelter.

“The situation in these areas is critical,” Hussein warned.