Heavy rains death toll in Sudan rises to 53

Published August 11th, 2024 - 07:36 GMT
Sudan
A fallen electricity pole lies in a street in Port Sudan after torrential rains on August 1, 2024. In Port Sudan, torrential rains left five people dead on July 31 according to the local police, in a country already ravaged by more than fifteen months of war. (Photo by AFP)

ALBAWABA - According to the Sudanese Ministry of Health, the death toll due to heavy rains has risen to 53 and is expected to rise, as rains continue to pound several Sudanese states.

The ministry's Autumn Emergency Room stated "A total of 208 injuries have been recorded, including 53 deaths, while 9,777 families were affected,". With a total of 9 states affected by the weather conditions, more than 2,000 houses completely collapsed, and over 4,000 houses partially collapsed, the ministry added.

The emergency center stated that 25 additional cases of severe watery diarrhea were reported on Friday, bringing the total to 192 in three states: Kassala, Khartoum, and Gezira.

Many families had lately arrived after leaving violence in Sennar state and were seeking refuge in five gathering locations and welcome centers. Some people have been displaced three or four times since the violence began.

They have lost their belongings, including food rations, and are facing significant challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. More than 400 shelters have also been damaged in Shagarab refugee camp, leaving already vulnerable people destitute, UNHCR reported.

The UN Refugee Agency assured that along with its partners, a piece of land had been chosen to have tents set up on-site to accommodate the affected families.

The new facility is expected to house about 800 newly displaced families as a result of the flooding. UNHCR has already begun creating emergency shelters, with around 400 tents placed thus far. 

Despite the continuous rain, at least 200 households had been moved. In addition, the UN Refugee Agency stressed its intention to deliver plastic sheeting to refugees to repair storm-damaged roofs.

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