Sudan Floods: Humanitarian Response, Relief Has Helped Nearly 500,000 People

In July, earlier than anticipated, the torrential rains began in Sudan, along with the beginnings of devastation. However, on Monday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the United Nations and others have partnered with the Sudanese government to assist as many as a half a million people already affected. Included in that number are 335 injured people, more than 30,000 destroyed houses and 64 deaths. The aid has also included preventive measures to avert the significant risk of epidemics that lies ahead.

Those providing humanitarian aid have supplied about 200,000 people with non-food items that were lost. Families in need have received commodities, including blankets, plastic sheeting for makeshift shelters, cans for carrying and storing water, cooking utensils, and mats sleep for sleeping. It's estimated, however, that thousands more will need similar help in the coming weeks and months, if the rains and related destruction continues.

The press release says that 40,000 flood victims have also received food so far, but it's estimated that many more may soon be in need of food provisions.

David Gressly is the acting United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan. In the press release he said: "Although the floods came earlier than expected, the response has been swift and successful. We had contingency measures in place, and were able to prevent further distress to the population. If current flooding patterns continue unabated, the situation will deteriorate considerably." The rains are not expected to abate until at least the middle of September.

Lack of clean water, which is directly related to waterborne epidemics, is a primary concern in the flood-devastated areas. Humanitarian efforts have included providing water purification products, such as 1,400 kilograms of chlorine powder and 878,000 chlorine tablets, and the education of about half a million people in hygiene.

Nonetheless, more than 630 cases of acute watery diarrhea have already been reported, resulting in 39 known deaths so far. Emergency epidemic surveillance measures are in place, and more than 34,000 people have been provided with cholera awareness education.

Another concern is the risk of diseases spread by insects. Efforts are in the works to obtain enough drugs, mosquito nets, insecticides, and other related supplies, to meet the needs of those at risk.

John Clarke is the United Nations official leading the coordination of the humanitarian aid response. In the press release he said: "We are working closely with the Government, to reach accurate estimates of the needs of those affected, and of the funding requirements. This will ensure that, together, we maximize the efficiency of our efforts to bring relief to those in need."

Source:

Press release, Sudan floods: At least 365,000 directly affected, response ongoing; http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/LSGZ-75TGFJ?OpenDocument