Heavy rain and flash floods have been reported in several states in Sudan over the last week, causing several fatalities and destroying hundreds of homes. Many of the victims died as a result of collapsed buildings.
At least 9 people died in flash floods in El-Fasher, capital of North Darfur, Sudan, on 15 July, 2016, according to the SUNA news agency.
SUNA report that two of the victims are believed to be from camps for internally displaced. Radio Dabanga say the number is higher. They report that five residents of the Abu Shouk camp for the displaced, northeast of El Fasher, were killed by floods that came from the Jadid El Seil valley.
Radio Dabanga add that flash floods streaming from the Tagali and Magali mountains damaging hundreds of homes in camp Naivasha in Shangil Tobaya, North Darfur, during the morning of Wednesday 13 July 2016. Dozens of families have been left homeless.
Khartoum and Al Jazirah States
According to Radio Dabanga, other areas of the country have also been affected. Heavy rain on 14 July caused buildings to collapse in Omdurman, Khartoum State, leaving five people dead and at least 40 homes severely damaged. Several areas of the city of Khartoum have also seen some flooding. Radio Dabanga also report that two people died after heavy rain resulted in a house collapse in Al Jazirah State.
Sennar State
Heavy rains and flash floods in Sudan destroyed 1,160 houses and damaged another 1,320 homes in June 2016 in Singa, the capital of Sennar State. Around 15,000 people were affected.
La Niña to Bring Increased Flood Threat
Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net) have warned of an increased threat of flooding as La Niña develops over the coming months. FEWS said:
“The increased likelihood for a La Niña to develop between July and September is likely to drive above-average rainfall over many parts of Sudan during the main 2016 rainy season. This increased rainfall will likely result in at least average 2016/17 crop production in Sudan, but may also cause localized flooding in flood-prone areas.”
Flood Summary
Locations
B - South Darfur
C - Sennar
D - West Kordofan
E - Al Gezira
F - Gedaref
G - South Kordofan
H - North Darfur
I - White Nile
Damages
June 1 to August 26, 2016
June 1 to August 31, 2016
June 1 to August 31, 2016
As of 23 August, Kassala (29,2910 affected), South Darfur (34,045), Sennar (16,980), West Kordofan (14,340), Al Gezira (10,795), Gedaref (11,355), South Kordofan (8,485), North Darfur (10,470) and White Nile (10,160). By end August, the figures increased: Kassala (55,880 affected), South Darfur (38,575), and Al Gezira (23,280) Flooding has also been reported in Blue Nile, Khartoum, North Kordofan, Northern State and West Darfur.
