The worst flooding in nearly 70 years has devastated the eastern Sudanese district of Kassala, leaving over 300,000 people homeless. Twelve people have died so far, with an unknown number still missing.

Torrential Rains
The Gash River that runs through Kassala town flooded at the end of July during massive torrential rains. A second wave of flooding destroyed the flood defences and over 50,000 homes. Electricity supplies have been cut off, and schools, the marketplace, and government buildings left under water.

Kassala’s population of 350,000 includes some internally displaced people who fled from civil conflict last year. They are faced with homelessness and displacement once again.

Disaster Area
The state of El Gedaref has also declared itself a ‘Disaster and Emergency Area’ after heavy rainfall flooded a canal, destroyed sixteen villages and displaced 3,000 families.

Sudanese authorities have warned that the situation could worsen by mid-August as heavier rainfall is expected.

Islamic Relief's Response
Islamic Relief has allocated an initial 10,000 Euros to its Sudan office to provide emergency relief to the flood victims.
Islamic Relief’s water tanker will be delivering 1 million litres of safe drinking water to 1,000 affected families over the next month. The families will also receive jerry cans for transporting & storing the water, and plastic sheeting for shelter.

Islamic Relief began working in Sudan in 1984 after devastating floods struck Khartoum.