The collapse of the Arbaat Dam in Sudan’s eastern Red Sea state resulted in heavy flooding and caused the deaths of at least 30 people. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the number of fatalities could be higher and around 70 villages near the dam were affected by the flash flooding. About 20 of these villages were completely destroyed. The dam, located about 38 kilometers northwest of Port Sudan, sustained massive damage due to heavy rains, resulting in the destruction or damage of homes belonging to 50,000 people in the area.
The flooding destroyed 80 boreholes and caused the disappearance of 10,000 heads of livestock, while also damaging or destroying 70 schools in the region, according to OCHA. More than 317,000 people across Sudan were impacted by heavy rains and flooding this month, with 118,000 individuals being displaced as a result. This has compounded the displacement crisis in the country, which has been ongoing due to the war that broke out in Sudan 500 days ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict began in Khartoum and quickly spread across the country, leading to thousands of deaths, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread hunger. More than 10 million people have been forcibly displaced in search of safety. However, humanitarian organizations have struggled to provide adequate response to the escalating medical needs in the country, with heavy restrictions from both warring parties limiting the delivery of humanitarian aid. This has left many without access to vital healthcare services.
The health care system in Sudan has been severely impacted by the war, with over 75% of health care facilities destroyed since the conflict began. This has left countless individuals without access to critical medical services. As a result, organizations like Doctors Without Borders and CARE have called attention to the desperate situation in Sudan, urging for increased international support and humanitarian aid to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the country. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had devastating consequences for its population, and urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering and provide assistance to those in need.
In light of the ongoing displacement crisis and the destruction caused by the flooding, it is imperative that the international community steps up its efforts to provide aid and support to the people of Sudan. The situation in the country is dire, with millions of individuals affected by the war and the recent natural disasters. It is crucial that humanitarian organizations are given the necessary resources and access to deliver aid to those in need. The people of Sudan are facing enormous challenges and require immediate assistance to address their basic needs and rebuild their lives in the wake of the devastating events that have unfolded in the country.
