Sudan: Minimal access for humanitarians in West Darfur - Cut off and flooded

Areas of Darfur with no or limited humanitarian access have more than doubled over the past year. The main reasons are fragmentation of opposition groups, a sharp rise in banditry, and increased attacks by militia factions. Heavy rain and floods during July have added to the distress of the local populations and created new logistical obstacles to relief operations.

Many humanitarians are deeply concerned that the situation might deteriorate over the coming months, and are getting ready for this challenge.

"We are preparing to respond to a potential large-scale humanitarian contingency", said David Gressly, acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan, to Humanitarian Newsmaker.

"In cooperation with our government counterparts, I am confident that we shall keep the situation under control, and will be able to avert what could otherwise become a humanitarian disaster", he added.

On the night between 12 and 13 July, flash floods up to two metres high devastated the Wadi Salih Locality [province], in West Darfur, bordering Chad. Approximately 300 houses were completely destroyed, and more were seriously damaged. Over 500 households were left without shelter, and in many cases without food stocks or household equipment. The water and sanitation system was shattered, leading to potential health hazards and waterborne epidemics. Many farms were flooded, dealing a serious blow to already impoverished farmers.

Most of the damage is concentrated in the town of Bindisi, in the south-west of the Locality, some 70 km from the Chadian border. Bindisi has a total population of approximately 13,400 individuals, including both locals and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

On 14 July, humanitarian agencies began preparing for an emergency operation to provide health assistance and shelter to those affected. Reaching Bindisi overland was not possible, as the roads connecting the affected area to El Geneina, Mukjar, and Zalengei, were impassable due to the rains. Aid operations had to be mobilized from Nyala (South Darfur) and delivered to Bindisi by helicopter.

A humanitarian assessment team found many parts of the area covered by stagnant water and swamps, and discovered cases of diarrhoea. One serious case was referred to the health facilities in Garsilla, a bigger town 50 km from Bindisi. Malaria was also reported and the assessment team concluded that health surveillance and contingency medications for waterborne diseases are urgently needed.

On 17 July, the humanitarian community in Zalingei (West Darfur, 162 km north-east of Bindisi), led efforts to mobilize relief supplies, including food, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, and blankets.

Bindisi has always been a flood-prone area, often cut off from the outside world during the rainy season. In response to the latest flooding, the Government encouraged locals to move to higher grounds and tried to improve local conditions there by stationing two police teams, constructing a school and clinic, and digging wells. However, people are reluctant to move to the new area due to insecurity.

For further information, please contact:

Maurizio Giuliano, Public Information Officer, United Nations, Khartoum

Email: giuliano@un.org

Tel: +249-9-12174454

Stephanie Bunker, Spokesperson, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), New York

Email: bunker@un.org

Tel: +1-917-3675126

Elizabeth Byrs, Spokesperson, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Geneva

Email: byrs@un.org

Tel: +41-22-9172653