Displaced residents of North Darfur camp warn of severe water shortages

January 24, 2014 (EL-FASHER) – Internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled their homes in North Darfur’s east Jebel Marra area following recent fighting there are now facing water shortages and sanitation-related diseases in Zamzam camp where they now reside.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that more than 18,000 people have been newly verified as displaced in El Fasher, Shangil Tobaya, Tawila and Um Baru areas in North Darfur.

The spokesperson of the Darfur IDPs and refugees association, Hussein Abu Sharati, told Sudan Tribune on Saturday that the residents of Zamzam camp, 10km west of El Fasher, are affected by severe shortages after the arrival of some 10,000 IDPs this month.

Abu Sharati further warned that the situation would deteriorate during the upcoming summer season when the need for water consummation will increase.

He also talked of the need for sanitation facilities, adding that defecating in the open has serious health implications and puts the IDPs at risk of diseases and epidemics.

The hybrid UN and African Union peacekeeping operation in Darfur (UNAMID) warned this week of the serious humanitarian impact of clashes between government and rebel forces and.

“UNAMID is working in coordination with the UN country team and other humanitarian actors to provide protection and assist in the distribution of urgent aid to the affected populations,” the agency said in a 22 January statement.

(ST)