Sudan: Death toll from flooding rises to 78 September 1 /update 2

Event

Recovery and rebuilding efforts are ongoing throughout Sudan as of Wednesday, September 4, following significant flooding in recent weeks. As of Sunday, September 1, government officials have confirmed 78 fatalities and another 89 people injured by the floods. The rains and flash floods impacted 67 localities in 14 states, with the most damage being reported in White Nile state, Kassala, El Gedaref, Khartoum, El Gezira, Sennar, and Red Sea state. Over 65,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed and tens of thousands of acres of farmland have been flooded. The flooding has caused significant disruptions to daily-life activities throughout Sudan, including transportation, public services, and water supply disruptions. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the rains are also causing a high risk of an outbreak of water-borne diseases. OCHA has begun coordinating international efforts to provide aid and assistance to the ongoing flood response efforts.

Further flooding is possible in the coming weeks as the rainy season is expected to last until October.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Be advised that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all food discarded.