Close to 150,000 people affected by heavy flooding across Sudan
Attachments
Download attachment
The United Nations in Sudan is concerned by significant flooding across eight states in Sudan following heavy rains that began in early August. Over 150,000 people have already been affected by flooding, according to various sources, including the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, the Khartoum State Commission for Voluntary and Humanitarian Work, the Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). More rains are expected in the coming days and the estimated number of affected people is likely to rise further as rains continue and as more information becomes available.
It is too early to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the floods but initial estimates are that at least 26,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed.
UN agencies and humanitarian partners are coordinating closely with the Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission and national organizations such as the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to assess needs and provide rapid assistance to those most severely affected. Initial reports indicate that the most
acute needs are for food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services.
As an immediate response to the floods, the United Nations and its partners have provided a range of emergency relief items, including tents, plastic sheeting, blankets, water cans, buckets and mosquito nets from its emergency stockpiles in Khartoum State. The United Nations and its partners have also provided mobile clinics, drinking water, and sanitation services. Other emergency support is currently being mobilised, particularly food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services.
The United Nations and its partners remain committed to assisting flood-affected communities and supporting the Government’s relief efforts throughout Sudan.
For further information, please contact Damian Rance, Public Information Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan (rance@un.org / +249 912 392 562)