1 April 2025
Sep 8, 2020 by 500 Words Magazine -

Sudan Floods: State of Emergency

On 5 September 2020, Sudan’s Security and Defence Council has declared a national state of emergency for three months because of floods that affected more than 500,000 people, killed at least 100 people, and destroyed more than 100,000 homes.

Sudan is in the midst of its rainy season, which lasts from June to October. The torrential rains have caused floods along with the Nile River reaching its highest level in 100 years. According to the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Lena Al Sheikh, the rate of floods and rain in 2020 has exceeded records set in 1946 and 1988 and is expected to continue rising.

Social media has been flooding with images of the damage the floods have caused all well as prayers under the trending hashtag #من_قلبي_سلام_للخرطوم, which loosely translates to ‘From my heart, sending peace to Khartoum’. Well-known Arab personalities have expressed concern over the floods in Sudan including Ola Al Fares, Mai Kassab, Waleed Al Faraj, Sheirf Amer and more.

As the world shows solidarity with the people of Sudan on social media, there are a few inaccurate images being shared on social media that are neither from this year’s flooding or from Sudan itself. One is of a woman struggling to float in water, raising her hand up, holding money, to keep dry. This picture was originally taken in India in 2013. The other is a picture of a father surrounded by water up to his neck as he carries his child on his shoulders. This picture was originally taken in Haiti in 2016.

Neighbouring Arab countries such as Egypt, the KSA, the UAE and Qatar are sending aid to Sudan to help with those affected by the floods.

Egypt has sent two military transport aircraft containing food, medicine and rain-resistant tents to Khartoum.

A Saudi plane operated by KSRelief arrived in Khartoum last week carrying 90 tons of relief and food aid were 300 tents, 300 shelter bags, 1,800 blankets, 210 food baskets and 40 tons of dates to help more than 30,000 people.

The UAE has sent 100 tonnes of medical supplies, food and shelter material, such as tents, blankets and tarpaulins, and sanitary materials.

Qatar is providing QAR7.3 mn (USD1,922,548) urgent shelter and food aid, which is expected to benefit at least 75,000 people. 

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Sep 4, 2020

Sep 8, 2020
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