Major flooding leaves 65 people dead, more than 220 000 affected, and 40 000 homes hit – Sudan

Major flooding from prolonged heavy rains in Sudan has left at least 65 fatalities and 220 000 people affected, a UN spokesman said at a briefing on Monday, August 17, 2020.​ 17 of the country's 18 states have been impacted, with around 40 000 houses damaged or destroyed.​

"More than 20 000 houses have been completely destroyed and an additional 20 000 more have been damaged," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

2 000 water sources have been contaminated or have become non-functional due to floods, compromising people's access to clean water– this amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has so far infected a total of 12 485 people and killed 805 in the country as of Tuesday, August 18.

Dujarric further warned that the collapse of the Bouth Earth Dam in the Blue Nile state on July 29 could affect access to water of 100 000 people. 

The state is among the hardest-hit areas, along with Khartoum and River Nile. Property damage was also reported in the regions Gezira, Gadarif, West Kordofan, and South Darfur. Across the country, dozens of buildings have been damaged, including schools.

The government and aid organizations are providing assistance and relief items such as plastic sheeting, tents, mosquito nets, water purification supplies, and medicines. In Darfur, flood victims are given shelter and health assistance.

"The quick response has been possible because UN agencies and our partners prepositioned supplies for 250 000 people before the rains started," he stated.

"But our colleagues warn that supplies are being depleted rapidly and more support, including from donors, is urgently needed."

Since prolonged intense rains began late July, at least 65 people have lost their lives and 220 000 have been affected. Nearly 700 cattle also perished due to flooding.

Dujarric said the UN and other humanitarian partners have been appealing for 1.6 billion dollars for critical aid in Sudan this year. However, "only 43 percent of that appeal has been received."

More heavy rainfall is forecast in August and September in much of Sudan, the country's meteorological authority announced.

Featured image credit: Hope Restoration South Sudan