Sudan Faces Crisis as Floods and Conflict Devastate Communities
Sudan is facing a dire situation as heavy rains and flooding worsen the already devastating impact of ongoing conflict, according to the United Nations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday that 143,000 people across 12 of Sudan’s 18 states are affected by flooding, with 27,000 displaced since June. El Fasher in North Darfur is one of the most severely impacted areas.
The flooding has caused significant damage, particularly at the Abu Shouk site for internally displaced people in El Fasher, where the Famine Review Committee recently warned of famine conditions. OCHA emphasized that the combination of flooding and intense fighting in and around El Fasher has exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable populations and severely restricted access to essential services.
Access to affected areas, including the Abu Shouk camp, remains extremely limited due to both the ongoing conflict and flooding, making it difficult for aid workers to deliver much-needed assistance. Despite these challenges, the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to work tirelessly to provide relief in the hardest-hit areas, including western Darfur and other regions.
The World Food Program has managed to distribute food to nearly 14,000 people in Sheikan, North Kordofan, an area at high risk of famine. OCHA reiterated UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ urgent call for an immediate cease-fire and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and allowing safe passage for humanitarian aid.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, with the Sudanese Armed Forces battling the Rapid Support Forces militia across large parts of the country.
