IRC Responds to Devastating Flash Flooding in Sudan

Kassala, Sudan - 13 Jul 2007 -   Seasonal rains are bringing flooding and destruction to East Sudan and Blue Nile state, affecting hundreds of families. In response, the International Rescue Committee is working with local authorities, the UN and local organizations, to fight the floods and provide aid and supplies to affected people.

At 1 a.m. on July 6, as the banks of the Gash River were breached, IRC staff in Kassala responded to a call for help by local authorities. Staff members worked through the night, providing the authorities with 1,000 sacks that were used in the first line of flood defense.

The IRC, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Humanitarian Aid Commission also organized an emergency forum of international and national aid groups to assess the damage and launch a response. The forum is meeting daily and has gathered crucial information on the number of families and individuals affected by the flooding, as well as buildings and houses destroyed.

The IRC is distributing digging tools in the neighbourhoods of Garb El Gash and Kurmota as part of a preventive hygiene campaign and is providing medical equipment to the Ministry of Health.

An IRC health coordinator has also been sent to Kassala, where he is working closely with the health ministry team on providing vital health services. Floods, heavy rain and winds are also affecting Blue Nile state where the IRC is prepared to provide assistance once a needs assessment of the worst hit areas is completed.