OPEC approves $400,000 for flood victims in Sudan

August 24, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved a US$400,000 grant in humanitarian aid to assist families in Sudan affected by severe flooding that has destroyed homes and public infrastructure.

The grant, to be channeled through the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ArabRCRC), will reportedly be used to procure urgently-needed relief items.

Persistent floods, which began early this month, have displaced nearly 150,000 people in Sudan’s nine states, with Khartoum, the River Nile, West Kordofan and El Gezira states said to be worst-hit.

The risk of waterborne diseases remain high, after the damage caused to water supply and sanitation systems in these areas, posing threats to public health.

However, the situation is expected to worsen with additional rains forecasted, prompting aid agencies to focus on needs of displaced families.

“The ArabRCRC will use OFID’s grant to purchase non-food items such as plastic sheets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, medical supplies, tarpaulins, cooking sets, buckets and blankets,” a statement extended to Sudan Tribune reads in part.

Sudan and OFID have reportedly been partners since 1976. In 2007, for instance, OFID reportedly extended a grant to the ArabRCRC to aid the country during a similar crisis.

Over the years, however, the institution has also provided public sector loans in support of the Sudan’s agriculture, energy and transportation sectors, as well as balance of payments support. OFID has also financed private sector and trade activities in the Sudan.

(ST)