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Sudan is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that has claimed at least 132 lives, according to state-run news agency SUNA. The flash floods, triggered by heavy rains and a dam collapse, have devastated large parts of the country, particularly in the northwest Red Sea State, where the collapse of the Arba'at Dam resulted in at least 30 deaths.
The floods have destroyed over 12,000 homes across 10 provinces, affecting more than 30,000 families. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the death toll could rise further, as many people remain missing or displaced. Additionally, the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure has hampered efforts to gather accurate information on the full extent of the disaster.
The collapse of the Arba'at Dam is of particular concern, as it provided the primary freshwater supply for Port Sudan, the country's fifth-largest city. The dam's destruction is expected to worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Sudan has been battling severe floods since June, displacing over 100,000 people. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has left more than 18,000 people dead and millions displaced. Over half of Sudan's population is also facing acute hunger due to the combined effects of the conflict and extreme weather events.
Climate change is playing a significant role in Sudan's increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Scientists warn that human-caused climate change is making extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and flooding more frequent and severe. With the country already struggling with the impacts of civil war and drought, the recent floods add yet another layer of hardship for the people of Sudan.
