Sudan: Heavy Rains and Floods Worsen Suffering of Displaced Persons in Blue Nile State

Damazin city and various regions within Blue Nile State are grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis. Intense rainfall and flooding conditions have exacerbated the plight of thousands of displaced individuals residing in shelters and camps, exacerbating a precarious situation already exacerbated by ongoing hostilities and inadequate humanitarian aid.

Reports indicate that the downpours have inundated significant portions of these displacement sites, causing several temporary shelters to either collapse or suffer damage. Moreover, the flooding has impeded residents' mobility and hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected zones.

There is mounting worry over the proliferation of rain-induced illnesses, such as malaria and waterborne diseases. The accumulation of stagnant water, the deterioration of sanitation facilities, and the scarcity of potable water are heightening this risk. Displaced people are expressing that their living conditions are deteriorating daily, beset by persistent shortages of food, medication, and shelter materials.

Access to healthcare remains constrained, thereby amplifying the risks for the most vulnerable segments of the population, including children, women, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

In response to these dire circumstances, displaced communities have urgently appealed to humanitarian agencies, local authorities, and the global community. They are demanding immediate provision of emergency shelter, food provisions, medication, and clean drinking water. They are also seeking improvements in sanitation services and measures to mitigate the risks of flooding and disease outbreaks.

The data collected on the ground suggests that the continued rainfall, coupled with the impact of the armed conflict, will likely exacerbate the situation further. Hence, there is an urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard civilians and meet their fundamental requirements.

The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) urges humanitarian organizations and pertinent authorities to swiftly escalate emergency assistance to displaced communities in Blue Nile State, with priority given to shelter, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare access. Additionally, DNHR advocates for coordinated flood mitigation strategies and disease prevention measures to safeguard the most vulnerable, along with unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to all affected regions.

DNHR, dedicated to documenting human rights abuses in Darfur and across Sudan, champions accountability and civilian protection through collaboration with UN and African human rights bodies.