Sudan Faces Historic Flooding, Displacing Hundreds of Thousands
By Fatma Abdelrahman
Sudan is grappling with it’s worst flooding in decades, impacting over half a million people and leaving a trail of destruction across the country. Torrential rains and overflowing rivers have submerged homes, farmland, and infrastructure, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The Sudanese Civil Defense Authority reports that the floods, triggered by unusually heavy rainfall during the rainy season, have affected 17 of Sudan’s 18 states. As of late August,over 500,000 people have been displaced,and more than 80 lives have been lost.These numbers are expected to rise as the rainy season continues.
“The scale of the flooding is unprecedented,” says Ahmed Mohamed,a resident of Khartoum,the capital city. “We’ve seen floods before, but nothing like this. Entire neighborhoods are underwater, and people have lost everything.”
The flooding has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water systems, hindering aid delivery to affected areas. Concerns are mounting over the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and malaria, due to contaminated water sources.
The situation is especially challenging for vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, who are already facing hardship. Sudan hosts a large number of refugees from neighboring countries, adding to the strain on resources.
International aid organizations are working with the Sudanese government to provide emergency assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. However, access to some areas remains limited due to damaged infrastructure and security concerns.
“We are racing against time to reach those in need,” says a spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.”The priority is to provide life-saving assistance and prevent the outbreak of disease.”
The Sudanese government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and appealed for international assistance. The long-term impact of the floods on Sudan’s economy and food security is expected to be meaningful, requiring sustained support for recovery and reconstruction efforts. Experts warn that climate change is highly likely to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Sudan, making the country increasingly vulnerable to future disasters.
Sudan Floods and Landslides Leave Hundreds Dead, Thousands displaced
2025/09/02 16:06:38
Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, coupled with landslides, have devastated Sudan, leaving at least 200 people dead and thousands more displaced as of Monday, September 2nd. The worst-hit areas are in the states of West Darfur, South Darfur, and North Kordofan, where torrential rains have overwhelmed infrastructure and triggered widespread destruction.
The Sudanese Civil Defence Authority reports that over 250,000 people have been affected by the disaster, with homes destroyed and vital supplies contaminated. In West Darfur, a landslide in the Marra Mountains area completely destroyed the village of Tersin, resulting in a significant number of casualties. Rescue efforts are hampered by the ongoing rainfall and limited access to affected areas.
“The situation is critical,” said a spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. “Many communities are cut off,and there is an urgent need for shelter,food,clean water,and medical supplies.”
Sudan experiences regular flooding during the rainy season, which typically lasts from June to October. Though, this year’s rainfall has been exceptionally heavy, exceeding ancient averages and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. The country is already grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis, including ongoing conflict and economic instability.
The Sudanese government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and is appealing for international assistance. Aid organizations are mobilizing resources to provide relief to those in need, but the scale of the disaster is presenting significant logistical challenges. Concerns are also growing about the potential for waterborne diseases to spread due to contaminated water sources.
the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is coordinating the international response and has launched a flash appeal for funding to support relief efforts. The appeal aims to provide assistance to the most vulnerable populations and help them rebuild their lives.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudans-floods-kill-over-100-displace-thousands-2025-09-02/