Al-Burhan inspects Sudanese areas affected by floods

Sudan – The Commander of the Sudanese Army and Chairman of the Sovereignty Council inspected yesterday, Friday, the areas affected by floods and rains in the city of Abu Hamad in River Nile State (north), amid the exacerbation of the displacement crisis resulting from the ongoing fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

Floods in Abu Hamad city resulted in the death of more than 30 people, the collapse of more than 11,000 homes, and the disruption of public facilities.

The Sudanese News Agency reported that Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan witnessed the extent of the damage and losses suffered by citizens in those areas, stressing that the state, with all its agencies, stands with those affected and provides everything that would alleviate the impact of the disaster on them.

The Chairman of the Sovereignty Council directed all federal and state agencies to harness all capabilities to help citizens in these areas and provide them with support and assistance.

For its part, the United Nations confirmed today that the heavy rains and floods witnessed by Sudan have exacerbated the situation of thousands of displaced people due to the ongoing war in the country.

This was reported by UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado during a press conference held at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

With heavy seasonal rains falling across Sudan, refugees and internally displaced people continue to bear the brunt of an extremely difficult humanitarian situation, Sarrado said.

On Thursday evening, the Sudanese authorities announced the death of 65 people due to floods and rains in 7 states of the country since last June.

This year’s flood damage coincides with the ongoing suffering caused by a war waged by the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023, leaving about 18,800 dead and nearly 10 million displaced and refugees, according to the United Nations.

There have been increasing calls from the United Nations and international organizations to spare Sudan a humanitarian disaster that could push millions to famine and death due to food shortages due to the fighting that has spread to 12 of the 18 states.

In the same context, a Sudanese delegation arrived in Jeddah today, Friday, to discuss with American mediators the conditions for the government’s participation in the ceasefire negotiations scheduled in Geneva on August 14.

Source: Al Jazeera + Agencies