Sudan Floods Exacerbate Conflict Crisis, Displacing Over 180,000 People
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, coupled with severe floods, has created a humanitarian disaster, displacing over 180,000 people since June 2024. The situation is particularly dire in the White Nile state, where heavy rains and floods have displaced thousands of people.
Impact of the Floods
The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Sudan reported 123 incidents of heavy rains and floods between June 1 and September 20, 2024, displacing an estimated 180,835 individuals (36,167 households) from locations across 15 different states. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that floods and heavy rains displaced nearly 6,000 Sudanese people in just one week, pushing the total number of displaced individuals to over 178,500 since June.
The IOM reported that between June 1 and September 13, 119 incidents of heavy rains, floods, and torrents were recorded, displacing 178,460 people across 15 Sudanese states. From September 5 to 13, floods displaced approximately 5,940 people and caused the destruction of about 1,349 buildings. The IOM noted that around 44% of those displaced by the recent floods had already been displaced by conflict prior to the onset of the floods.
The situation is particularly concerning in the Al Gitaina locality, White Nile, where heavy rain and floods on September 16, 2024, displaced 2,250 individuals (450 households). The floods primarily affected El Kawah town, as well as El Mesellemiya, Al Ahamda, and Hassan Alob villages. Displaced households sought forms of improvised shelter in open areas within the same locality.
The Intersection of Conflict and Floods
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has already claimed approximately 18,800 lives and displaced nearly 10 million people. The floods exacerbate an already dire situation, leaving millions facing severe food shortages and famine.
The conflict and floods have created a devastating cycle of displacement. The conflict has displaced millions of people, leaving them vulnerable to the effects of the floods. The floods, in turn, have displaced even more people, adding to the already immense humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Response
The United Nations and humanitarian partners are working to provide assistance to those affected by the floods. The response includes providing shelter, food, water, and sanitation services. However, the scale of the crisis and the ongoing conflict pose significant challenges to the humanitarian response.
A Looming Crisis
The floods are expected to continue throughout the rainy season, which runs from June to October. The situation is likely to worsen as the conflict continues, leaving millions of people in desperate need of assistance.
The international community must urgently increase its humanitarian response to address the needs of the Sudanese people. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for the entire country.
A Call to Action
The floods in Sudan are a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change. The international community must act to address the root causes of climate change and provide adequate support to vulnerable countries like Sudan.
This crisis requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the immediate humanitarian needs but also the underlying factors that have contributed to the suffering of the Sudanese people. It’s time for the international community to take concrete steps to address the root causes of conflict and climate change and to provide the necessary support to the people of Sudan. This is not just a Sudanese problem. It is a global problem that requires a global response.
