Rains cause havoc in Sudan, frustrate efforts to fight COVID-19

Ongoing rains in Sudan have not only resulted in flash floods and riverine flooding that has destroyed crops, houses and infrastructure, but are also frustrating efforts to control the spread of coronavirus, which has infected 11,738 and killed 752 as of Aug 4.

Several hectares of crops have been flooded in the middle of the planting season, raising concerns for food security in the country. The capital Khartoum, Blue Nile and River Bile states have been the hardest hit, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

The Bout Earth Dam, in Blue Nile State's Tadamon locality, exceeded its capacity and collapsed following heavy rains on July 29. This resulted in flooding of 12 neighborhoods downstream in Bout town, affecting around 3,900 people.

According to the Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission, nearly 190 houses were destroyed and 590 others were damaged. More houses are expected to collapse, as rains continue in a zone where the land is already extremely wet.

The commission said collapse of the dam is expected to compromise water access for over 84,000 people who live in the area.

At least one school, 14 boreholes and 218 latrines have also been destroyed by the flooding. Several hectares of crops have also been lost and over 150 livestock have been washed away, increasing the risk of heightened food insecurity in the coming months.

Two-thirds of the Sudan population lives in rural areas, and the economy is heavily dependent on agriculture.

According to the World Food Program, 5.8 million people of the country's 43 million are food insecure.

The Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said most displaced people are living with host families, thus potentially exposed to congestion, poor sanitation and inadequate food and other essentials, such as medicines, mosquito nets, as well as protection and maternal services.

The Sudan Meteorological Authority has warned more heavy rains are expected during August and September in most parts of the country, which could lead to further flooding and displacement.

Three weeks ago, the authority predicted more than 250,000 people could be affected by heavy rains and floods during the current rainy season in the country.

Humanitarian partners and the government are already responding and supporting families with life-saving assistance, while assessments are ongoing in all affected areas.

Logistics have been termed the main challenge to response efforts in the Blue Nile State, because roads are impassable and the area can only be accessed via helicopter.

Despite the challenge, the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said at least three flights have already reached the area with emergency supplies, including medicines, hygiene kits, water purification products, mosquito nets and other non-food items.

"Food, emergency shelter and other items, including kitchen utensils, are among the items that still need to be transported to the affected area," the UN body said.

The rainy season in Sudan lasts from May and June to October and November.