The United Nations refugee agency has reported that flood conditions in Sudan are impeding the delivery of aid to regions already grappling with hunger and starvation, including a camp in North Darfur for individuals who have fled ongoing conflict. Around 11,000 people in the country, many of whom are already displaced, have been impacted by the heavy rains and flooding. The country has been facing a humanitarian crisis since fighting erupted over a year ago between the military and the Rapid Support Forces.
A recent report on hunger conditions from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed that parts of North Darfur, particularly the Zamzam camp, are experiencing severe hunger classified as IPC Phase 5. The IPC attributed the famine conditions in Zamzam camp to the conflict and limited humanitarian access. In Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, approximately 320,000 people have been displaced since mid-April, with around 150,000 seeking refuge in Zamzam camp by May. The camp’s population has now expanded to over half a million in just a few weeks.
The UNHCR stated that the humanitarian needs in the region are critical as hundreds of thousands of civilians are at risk and famine has been confirmed in a displacement site. Heavy seasonal rains have led to rising floodwaters in parts of Sudan, with more storms expected in the coming days. Local media reported 17 fatalities in Abu Hamad due to the floods, with 3,000 homes destroyed in the area according to the Sudanese Red Crescent.
The Darfur Network for Human Rights emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to provide shelter and food to those affected by the floods, including thousands of displaced individuals seeking refuge in the city to escape conflict zones. Sudan’s national weather service issued a flash flood warning until August 13 for heavy rains and thunderstorms in states such as Khartoum, Gezeira, and North Darfur.
