27 Killed as Unprecedented Heavy Rains Lash Sudan
Sudan Events – Agencies
Several Sudanese states have been hit by torrential rains accompanied by strong winds over the past 48 hours, leaving 27 people dead — 23 of them in River Nile State north of Khartoum, the worst-affected area, according to Infrastructure Minister Samir Saeed, speaking to Al Jazeera Net.
The minister said the downpours over the past two days caused the total destruction of 290 homes and partial damage to 2,038 others, in addition to the collapse of two government facilities.
Meteorological experts warn that Sudan is currently experiencing an exceptionally powerful wave of rainfall, possibly the heaviest in decades. They forecast that the torrential rains, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, will continue in the coming days, triggering flash floods.
According to the latest government report from the Central Emergency Committee for the Rainy Season, issued Wednesday and seen by Al Jazeera Net, the heavy rains have struck the Northern State, River Nile, Khartoum, Gezira, Gedaref, Kassala, and Sennar.
Climate Change
Minister Saeed attributed the extensive damage in River Nile State to climate change, stressing that this year’s rains are unprecedented and that the sheer volume of water could not be absorbed by the state’s limited drainage system.
He explained that rainfall continued for four consecutive days across wide areas of the state — something that “has never happened before.” He added that illegal encroachments on rainwater drains by residents had worsened the disaster.
The minister said localities across the state are now on full alert to drain the accumulated waters, amid forecasts of continued heavy rain. He noted that the state government has submitted a detailed damage report to the Supreme Council for Civil Defense for urgent intervention.
Meanwhile, meteorologist and climate activist Munzir Ahmed Al-Haj described the rainfall as “the heaviest in decades and a historic event.” He predicted extremely heavy rains in both Northern and River Nile states and urged authorities to raise the alert level to red.
Earlier, on Monday evening, August 18, the Sudanese Meteorological Authority issued an orange-level warning indicating a high risk of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across several states.
Over a Thousand People Affected
The Sudanese Doctors’ Voluntary Network confirmed that its field teams in Shendi, Damer, and Atbara recorded damage to 154 homes, with at least 1,078 people in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. The network also warned of health risks associated with displacement, loss of shelter, and the spread of epidemics.
Major General Qirshi Hussein Abdel Qader, Deputy Director of Civil Defense for Emergencies and Disasters, issued a warning to residents living along the Nile, rivers, and drainage channels to take extreme caution to protect their lives and property, especially in vulnerable areas along waterways.
Losses from heavy rains and floods are a recurring annual crisis in Sudan. However, the scale of rainfall and flooding this year in River Nile and Northern states is unprecedented, as these two regions typically record the lowest rainfall levels nationwide. Experts say this underscores the impact of climate change on Sudan.
Source: Al Jazeera
