Sudan’s Displaced Face New Hardships as Floods Ravage Eastern Kassala Province

In Summary

• Flooding in Sudan's eastern Kassala province has worsened the living conditions for internally displaced people, many of whom fled from Sennar.
• Displaced individuals in Kassala are pleading for immediate assistance, including shelter, blankets, clothing, and medicine.
• At least 12 people have died due to the floods, leaving homes and tents submerged.
• The floods compound an already dire situation in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has caused over 14,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million people.

Kassala, Sudan –The plight of internally displaced people in Sudan's eastern Kassala province has taken a devastating turn as severe flooding engulfs the region, compounding the struggles of those who have already fled violence and unrest in other parts of the country.

In the Industrial School area, one of the largest displacement camps in Kassala, the situation has become increasingly desperate. Displaced residents, who arrived from Sennar province seeking refuge, now find themselves battling the elements as heavy rains and floodwaters overrun their temporary shelters.

"We arrived from Sennar and have been residing in an area known as the Industrial School for 20 days," explained Ali Abdul Jabbar, one of the displaced individuals. "The rain and water conditions can be observed. We are not facing any issues. Once our accommodations are repaired, we will move there. The current conditions can be witnessed. We urge the authorities to address this issue promptly."

The severity of the situation is evident as people wade through knee-deep water, clutching the few possessions they managed to save. Many have been forced to abandon their makeshift tents, now partially submerged, seeking dry land where they can find some respite.

Merwan Abood, another displaced person from Sennar province, described the situation as both critical and devastating, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. "I appeal to all kind-hearted individuals in Kassala province, across Sudan, and beyond to assist the people in need with essential supplies like equipment, shelter, blankets, clothing, or medicine," Abood implored.

The flooding, which began on Saturday, has already claimed the lives of at least 12 people in eastern Sudan, according to the Sudanese Ministry of Health. Homes and tents in the affected areas have been inundated, leaving many with nowhere to turn.

This latest disaster comes on top of an already dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. In April of last year, the country was plunged into turmoil as long-standing tensions between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated into violent clashes in Khartoum and other regions. The United Nations reports that the fighting has resulted in over 14,000 deaths and left 33,000 others injured. However, activists believe the actual numbers could be significantly higher.

The conflict has also triggered the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people forced to flee their homes. As these individuals seek safety, the floods in Kassala further exacerbate their suffering, creating an urgent need for humanitarian aid.

With the situation growing increasingly desperate, the displaced in Kassala are calling on local, national, and international communities to provide the necessary assistance to help them survive the dual challenges of conflict and natural disaster. The need for shelter, blankets, clothing, and medicine is immediate, as the people of Kassala struggle to rebuild their lives in the face of overwhelming adversity.