At least 12 people have lost their lives due to torrential rains and subsequent flooding that ravaged Kassala State in eastern Sudan, according to a statement released by Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim on Saturday.
The severe weather conditions, which struck on Friday, caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure across several cities in the region.
Particularly vulnerable were thousands of displaced individuals residing in shelter centers, which were inundated by the floodwaters.
The Sudanese Meteorological Authority had issued a warning about rising water levels in the Gash River, which flows through the state capital of Kassala.
Residents were advised to exercise caution and avoid the riverbanks.
Flooding is an annual occurrence in Sudan, typically affecting the country between June and October.
The past three years have witnessed a devastating impact, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and extensive destruction of agricultural land.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, and this year’s rainy season has only compounded the suffering of millions.
According to the UN International Organization for Migration, over 7.7 million people have been internally displaced since the conflict began in April 2023, with an additional 2.2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.