Record flooding leaves 93 fatalities, 80 000 homes damaged and 380 000 people affected in Sudan

At least 93 people have died while more than 380 000 have been affected by worsening floods in Sudan since the beginning of the rainy season, the interior ministry reported Tuesday, September 1, 2020. More than 5 000 cattle have also perished and about 80 000 properties were damaged or destroyed as the Blue Nile River hit 17.4 m (57 feet), the highest since record-keeping began in 1912.

The severe weather has impacted 17 of the country's 18 states, with North Darfur being the worst-hit as 90 505 people were left suffering. Sennar followed with 42 325 residents affected, West Kordofan with 35 780, and Kassala with 32 510.

More than 37 000 homes have been destroyed, forcing families to relocate and seek shelter with relatives and community centers, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).

In addition, 39 000 houses have been damaged, as well as 2 671 health facilities and 34 schools. More than 5 000 cattle have perished in the floods.

The situation is expected to further worsen over the following weeks as the meteorological department forecasts above-average rains until the end of September.

The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources reported that the average level of the Blue Nile has hit 17.4 m (57 feet), the highest since the country started keeping data in 1912.

It also broke the previous record of 17.26 m (56.6. feet) set in September 2019.

The Sudan Meteorology Authority forecasts heavy rains on Wednesday, September 2, advising locals near watercourses to take safety measures.

Featured image credit: SRCS.SD