Darfur Victims Support Organization.
Floods and Torrential Rains in North Darfur State
September 2, 2024
Amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Darfur region, the area of Kutum in Kutum Locality, North Darfur State, experienced heavy rainfall on August 31, 2024. The rain lasted for several hours, leading to severe floods and torrential waters that caused significant property damage and loss of life.
According to a local resident, the heavy rain began at 4:00 PM and continued until 9:00 AM the following day, September 1, 2024. The rain resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian homes in the city of Kutum and in the Kassab IDP camp, affecting centers A, B, and C within the camp.
The floods and torrential waters that swept through the area led to the deaths of four individuals, three of whom have been identified:
Amna Abdullah
Marwa Abdullah
Safa Abdullah
The identity of the fourth individual has not yet been determined. The Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and expresses profound concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the area.
In the wake of this disaster, the residents of Kutum and the displaced persons in the Kassab IDP camp are facing critical humanitarian and health conditions. No food, health assistance, or shelter has been provided to the affected areas thus far. With additional rainfall expected in the coming days, the humanitarian situation is set to worsen, especially with many residents having lost their homes and possessions to the floods.
The damage is not limited to the Kutum area alone. Last week, the area of Sargiella in Telus Locality, South Darfur, also experienced severe floods, leading to the displacement of large numbers of residents and significant property losses. The extent of the devastation in these areas necessitates urgent and comprehensive intervention from the international community and humanitarian organizations.
Recommendations:
1. Provision of Immediate Humanitarian Aid:
- The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls for the immediate provision of aid to the affected areas, including food, safe drinking water, medicines, tents, and shelters, as well as baby formula to meet the needs of the displaced.
2. Comprehensive Assessment of Affected Areas:
- The organization urges a swift and thorough assessment of the areas affected by floods and torrential rains in Darfur, including Kutum and Sargiella, to determine the extent of losses and humanitarian needs.
3. Preparedness for Upcoming Rains:
- The organization recommends taking precautionary measures to face the expected rainfall in the coming days by establishing temporary shelters and strengthening infrastructure to combat flooding.
