OIC SG calls on member states to assist Sudan in facing floods

August 8, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has urged member states and humanitarian groups to provide urgent assistance to Sudan following the floods that swept the country earlier this month.

The heavy rains and floods that hit different areas in Sudan have lead to the death of at least 38 people and injured dozens as well as destroying homes amid widespread anger over what is perceived as an inadequate government response.

The pro-government al-Sudani newspaper said that the deaths were due to drowning, house collapses and electric shocks that resulted from the floods and rain particularly in the localities of East Nile, Khartoum, Karari and Ombadda; all of which are part of the capital Khartoum.

Ihsanoglu extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Sudanese government, demanding the humanitarian affairs department at the OIC to communicate with all he concerned parties in order to provide urgent assistance to the affected population in various states of Sudan.

According to the latest statistics issued by the government of Khartoum state, the number of houses affected by the flood reached 11,142 including 7,259 houses which were completely destroyed and 3,383 which were partially affected in the localities of the Nile River, Karari, Um Bada, Khartoum North, and Omdurman.

(ST)