Floods Impact Displacement Camps in Kassala, Sudan

Displacement camps in Sudan's eastern city of Kassala were impacted by floods.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed that initial reports indicate that an estimated 10,180 people, most of whom are newly arrived IDPs from Sudan’s Sennar State, have been affected by recent heavy rains and flooding in Kassala State.

According to a flash update by OCHA, the number could be higher as authorities and humanitarian partners continue with assessment among the host community, refugees, and IDPs who fled to Kassala after the conflict broke out in April 2023.

“At least five people reportedly died. Three of them drowned in the River Gash, while a child died at a displacement site during the night of heavy rains. Heavy rains and flooding have also affected an unspecified number of people and homes in Aroma, Shamal Al Delta, Reifi Kassala, and Gharb Kassala localities,” the update stated.  “The newly arrived IDPs from Sennar State were hosted in five gathering sites and reception centers in Kassala town and Gharb Kassala locality.”  

Floodwater reportedly submerged tents and water and sanitation facilities, as well as roads. The majority of the affected IDPs have been forced to live in the open on the roadsides and they do not have access to food, clean drinking water, or safe sanitation facilities amid heightened concerns of a possible spike in water-borne diseases.

“Priority needs include relocation to shelters and buildings in dryer areas, food, non-food items, and access to safe water and sanitation,” the OCHA update stated. “With heavy rains projected over the coming days, the Gash River water levels may rise leading to further flooding in Kassala town.”  

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix reported that on 25 and 26 July 2024, heavy rains, and floods across Aroma town in Reifi Aroma locality, Kassala displaced an estimated 500 people.