Sudan: Humanitarian impact of heavy rains and flooding Flash Update No. 04 (5 September 2024)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • An estimated 491,100 people have been affected by heavy rains and flooding in 63 localities across 15 states in Sudan.
  • At least 69 people have been killed and another 112 injured by the heavy rains and flooding.
  • About 35,520 homes have been destroyed and nearly 45,000 homes have been damaged.
  • The cholera outbreak has been on the rise, exacerbated by the flooding and subsequent stagnant flood waters.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

An estimated 491,100 people (88,600 families) have been affected by heavy rains and flooding in 63 localities across 15 states in Sudan since the onset of rains in June, according to the Sudan Floods Dashboard. This includes an estimated 143,200 people who have been displaced. The most affected states are North Darfur (122,680 people), Red Sea (75,118 people), Northern (68,164 people), South Darfur (62,130 people), and River Nile (58,825 people). The Sudan floods dashboard reports that 69 people have been killed and 112 people have been injured; 35,518 homes have been destroyed; and 44,993 homes have been damaged due to the heavy rains and flooding. Actual numbers are likely much higher.

The risk of disease outbreaks due to the flooding and subsequent stagnant flood waters is high across affected states and cholera cases have been on the rise. The Sudan Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) declared on 12 August 2024 a cholera outbreak after a new wave of cases had been reported since 22 July 2024. Between 22 July and 1 September, about 2,900 cases of cholera have been reported, with 112 associated deaths – case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.9 per cent – from five states, including Kassala (1,703 cases), Gedaref (699), River Nile (408), Aj Jazirah (65), and Khartoum (20), all of which have been affected by floods.

In Northern State, more than 68,190 people have been affected by heavy rains and flooding in all seven localities of Ad Dabbah, Al Burgaig, Al Golid, Delgo, Dongola, Halfa, and Merowe, according to the Sudan Floods Dashboard. About 4,755 homes have been destroyed and over 8,280 homes have been damaged. Reportedly, 21 people were killed and 103 people were injured by the flooding. In addition, numerous public facilities and farms were affected and some roads became impassable.

In South Darfur State, 62,130 people have been affected by heavy rains and flooding, according to the Sudan Floods Dashboard. About 1,311 homes have been destroyed and 9,402 homes have been damaged. The most affected localities are Rehaid Albirdi, Ed Al Fursan, Tulus (Sergaila), Buram, Katila and As Sunta. According to the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS), about 340 feddans (about 1.43 square kilometers) of farmland have been washed away, destroying crops. A state level high committee, including SRCS, was established to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the affected areas. The committee will monitor the situation during the rainy season, track the impact of heavy rains and floods, coordinate response with partners, and mobilize resources. The most affected localities are Rehaid Albirdi, Ed Al Fursan, Tulus (Sergaila), Buram, Katila and As Sunta. The priority needs in the state are water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), non-food items (NFIs), food and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the floods have affected an estimated 124,000 people in parts of Darfur where about 230,700 people are at risk of famine between June and September 2024, according to the latest data from the Sudan Floods Dashboard, and the IPC June 2024 update. In Kutum and Tawila in North Darfur, 42,600 people have been affected by the floods, while the IPC reported 25,800 people in these two localities are going through IPC 5 (Catastrophe) and are at risk of famine. In four localities in Central Darfur – Azum, Bendasi, Wadi Salih and Zalingei - where there are 28,500 people at risk of famine, about 26,200 people have been affected by floods in the three localities. About 24,600 people have been affected by floods in Al Fasher locality where about 47,000 people are at risk of famine and famine conditions are prevalent in Zamzam IDP camp, according to IPC Famine Review Committee. About 12,000 people have been affected in West Darfur’s Ag Geneina, Kereneik and Sirba localities where about 35,800 people are at risk of famine. In South Darfur, about 1,200 people in Al Wihda locality were affected by rains and floods; according to IPC, 18,700 people are at risk of famine in Al Wihda, Mershing, Nitega and Shattaya in South Darfur.

In Kassala State, nearly 15,100 people have been affected by heavy rains and flooding in Halfa Aj Jadeedah, Madeinat Kassala, Reifi Aroma, Reifi Gharb Kassala, Reifi Kassala, and Reifi Khashm Elgirba localities, according to the Sudan Floods Dashboard. About 664 homes have been destroyed and another 213 have been damaged. Reportedly, eight people were killed and seven people were injured. The heavy rains and flooding also cut off 13 villages, leaving at least 5,000 people inaccessible. The most affected villages are the ones overlooking the Gash River or canals, while villages such as Makalay, Tindilay, and Dagien are inaccessible in Aroma locality. In North Delta locality, about 9,500 people across 37 villages have been affected.