Sudan: Humanitarian impact of heavy rains and flooding Flash Update No. 2 (as of 2 August 2024) [EN/AR]

HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rains and flash floods have affected more than 17,000 people in parts of western and eastern Sudan since the onset of the rainy season.

• In Kassala, where about 10,700 people have been affected, localized flooding and stagnant water continue to impact families.

• In North Darfur, more than 5,600 people have been displaced by heavy rains and flooding.

• Humanitarian partners are working with authorities to scale up response and to address the immediate needs of the flood-affected people.

• Heavy rains are projected between 31 July and 7 August over some areas in central, eastern and western Sudan, which is likely to lead to floods.

Situation Overview

More than 17,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and flooding in parts of western and eastern Sudan since the onset of the rainy season. This includes an estimated 10,700 flood-affected people in Kassala State, most of whom fled recent hostilities in Sennar State; about 5,600 people in North Darfur; an estimated 500 people in East Darfur and another 210 people in Kulbus, West Darfur. Five people died, including two minors while swimming in the Gash River, while five people were injured in Kassala State. The actual number of affected people is yet to be determined, as authorities and humanitarian partners continue to assess the impact of heavy rains and flooding among host communities, refugees, and IDPs who settled in Kassala after the war broke out in April 2023. Initial assessments indicate that 67 houses were destroyed in Kassala; 20 houses were destroyed and another 154 were damaged in Aroma; about 75 houses were destroyed and 72 damaged in Makaly village, and three houses were destroyed and 37 damaged in Gharb Kassala locality. In addition, flooding has affected 33 schools in Kassala State.

Heavy rains and flooding also affected an unspecified number of people and homes in Aroma, Shamal Al Delta, Reifi Kassala, and Gharb Kassala localities. In Aroma locality, 33 shops and two religious school buildings were affected. Flooding has also inundated farmland and displaced many people in villages in the North Delta along the River Gash. Lack of proper shelter is exposing some of the displaced people, mainly women, girls, and children, to bad weather conditions and possible forms of abuse. The rains have also washed away identity documents of IDPs critical for their access to basic services. The priority needs of the affected people include relocation to shelters and buildings in dryer areas, construction of a new site to host the IDPs, food and non-food items, access to safe water and sanitation, an ambulance, dignity kits, and psychosocial support. The Kassala State Ministry of Health and Social Development (SMoHSD) has so far reported 42 suspected cases of cholera. In addition, an assessment by Health Cluster partners revealed an increase in malaria, respiratory diseases, diarrhea, and skin infections cases amongst IDPs.

With heavy rains projected to fall in the Eritrean and Ethiopian highlands next week, the Gash River water levels may rise leading to further flooding in Kassala town and villages in the localities of Aroma, North Delta and Telkok. Meanwhile, very heavy rainfall expected between 31 July and 7 August over some parts of central, eastern and western Sudan will likely lead to flooding, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) Disaster Operations Centre reported. Communities in the areas at risk are advised to exercise caution during this period.