Sudan: Flooding and landslides kills multiple across the country as of August 6 /update 1

Event

At least ten people have been killed in flash flooding and landslides following heavy rains which continued in several parts of the country as of Thursday, August 6. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that flooding, landslides, and damages to houses and infrastructure have been reported in at least 14 of the 18 states of the country. More than 50,000 people have been affected in West Kordofan, South Kordofan, Sennar, El Gezira, South Darfur, East Darfur, North Darfur, Red Sea, Blue Nile, White Nile, River Nile, Khartoum, Kassala and Northern states. Additionally, over 3000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and further damage to infrastructure and overland disruptions have also been reported. According to the most recent report by OCHA, North Darfur, White Nile, Sennar, and Kassala are the latest states to be affected by storms and floods.

As of August 2, heavy rainfall and associated flooding in Blue Nile state killed at least five people and damaged hundreds of houses. The rain, which has been ongoing for the past week, has also resulted in the collapse of the Bout Dam, resulting in the stranding of at least 600 people who have been cut off by floodwaters. The town of Bout has seen at least 1200 homes destroyed, and a further 120 have been destroyed in the nearby town of Wed Abuk. Disruption to transportation has been reported, as roads throughout the state have been flooded. In Sudan's capital, Khartoum, flooding was reported in the East Nile area, with 180 houses flooded.

The Sudan Meteorological Authority has warned that further rainfall is expected across the country throughout August and September. Further flooding, landslides, damages, displacement and continued disruption to transportation and utilities are to be expected in the near term.  

Advice

Those in Sudan are advised to monitor local weather reports in the near term, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate power and transportation disruptions, and avoid wading or driving through floodwaters.