Flood in Sudan

Heavy rains in Sudan have intensified over the past week, causing flooding, destruction of infrastructure, houses and livelihoods, and leading to displacement in multiple locations across the country. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) at least 1,100 people have been displaced (600 in North Darfur, and 500 in White Nile State) and more than 50,000 people affected. In addition, media report 10 deaths, 3 injured and more than 3,000 houses destroyed or damaged. Humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing, as the country faces multiple shocks, including the economic crisis, recent floods, violence and disease outbreaks. COVID-19 transmissions also continue and over 12,000 people have contracted the virus as of 11 August 2020.

To support the country in addressing this situation, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, through its UN-SPIDER programme, has activated the International Charter Space and Major Disasters on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Sudan. Ruhr-University Bochum is acting as project manager for this activation.