At least 132 people have lost their lives in Sudan this year due to severe flooding and heavy rains, according to the health ministry's announcement on Monday. The country has been enduring a particularly intense rainy season since last month, with the most severe flooding occurring in the northern and eastern regions.
The ministry reported that the floods have affected 10 states, displacing 31,666 families and impacting a total of 129,650 individuals. The death toll has now reached 132.
While Sudan faces flooding annually, this year's impact is expected to be more devastating due to over 16 months of conflict between rival generals. The ongoing violence has forced millions into flood-prone areas, exacerbating the disaster. The ministry revealed that 12,420 homes have been completely destroyed, and another 11,472 have been partially damaged, primarily in Sudan’s Northern and River Nile states.
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On Saturday, torrential rain in the Arbaat area north of Port Sudan caused the Arbaat Dam to collapse, sweeping away entire villages. A resident, Issa Adroub, described how people fled to the mountains for safety as homes and livestock were washed away.
The dam’s collapse is particularly alarming as it serves as a crucial water source for Port Sudan, where many officials relocated after conflict broke out in Khartoum. Local volunteers assisting with relief efforts told AFP that 13 bodies, including women and children, have been recovered, while 210 people remain missing. They also reported that 20 villages were entirely wiped out, and 50 others suffered significant damage. The heavy rains are unusual for this time of year, as the region typically experiences rainfall in November and March.
Amid the downpours, Sudanese authorities and the United Nations have reported a sharp increase in cholera cases. The World Health Organization stated that since June 2023, Sudan has recorded at least 11,327 cholera cases, with 316 deaths. Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim attributed the outbreak to "climatic conditions and water contamination."
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in war between the Sudanese army, led by the country’s de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and obstructing humanitarian aid.
