Rains, floods wash away homes in Darfur
UNICEF is responding fast, to protect families and prevent diseases
The rainy season, which began in recent weeks, is affecting already vulnerable families across Darfur.
In several communities, families woke up to flooding following days of heavy rainfall. Homes, schools, and water facilities were submerged or destroyed.
In Al Daein, the floods hit the most vulnerable neighborhoods hardest. Houses made of thatch and mud collapsed, leaving parents and caregivers stranded with their children in the open.
Some elderly were trapped indoors, unable to move through the waterlogged homes.
Latrines were washed away, leaving communities without adequate sanitation facilities and increasing the risk of water contamination and hygiene-related diseases, including acute watery diarrhoea and cholera.
Maryam and her children were asleep when the rain started. By morning, floodwater had swept through the village, severely damaging their home and most of their belongings.
Tarreg’s house is surrounded by water. As she wades through the floods, the pregnant mother of two is focused on protecting what remains of her home with a new tarpaulin received from UNICEF and partners. With more rain expected, keeping Tarreg and her family protected remains a priority.
But stagnant water left behind by the floods is creating breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit malaria, one of the leading causes of death among children and pregnant women.
UNICEF RESPONSE
UNICEF and partners responded quickly, reaching affected communities and helping restore critical services. Together, they have constructed emergency latrines and rehabilitated damaged water points.
Teams on the ground are traversing affected communities with water purification tablets, hygiene kits, jerry cans, and soap, helping families access safe water and maintain good hygiene practices during the crisis.
With flexible humanitarian funding and support from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, UNICEF can reach children and families in need whose lives have been interrupted by the conflict and more recently by flooding.
