The United Nations refugee agency has highlighted the challenges faced in delivering aid to flood-affected areas in Sudan, exacerbating the already dire situation of hunger and famine. The heavy rains and flooding have impacted at least 11,000 people in the country, many of whom were already displaced due to ongoing conflicts.
Sudan has been grappling with a humanitarian crisis for over a year, primarily stemming from the clashes between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The western provinces of North Darfur and Darfur have witnessed significant violence and displacement as a result of the conflict.
A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed alarming hunger conditions in parts of North Darfur, particularly in the Zamzam camp, where famine conditions have been identified as IPC Phase 5. The report attributed the severe food insecurity to the conflict and limited humanitarian access.
The situation has led to the displacement of around 320,000 people in Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, with a significant portion seeking refuge in the overcrowded Zamzam camp. The camp's population has surged to over half a million within a short span of time, underscoring the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.
Heavy seasonal rains have further compounded the crisis, causing widespread flooding in Sudan. Reports indicate that 17 people lost their lives in the city of Abu Hamad due to the floods, with thousands of homes destroyed. The Darfur Network for Human Rights has called for immediate government intervention to provide shelter and food to the affected population.
The Sudanese national weather service has issued a flash flood warning for several states, including Khartoum, Gezeira, and North Darfur, underscoring the continued threat of heavy rains and thunderstorms in the region.
