Sudan: Worst still to come
2007-08-14 22:33
Kharthoum - Torrential rains in Sudan are ravaging regions throughout the country, with menacing floods washing away villages and livestock and killing at least 100 people since last month (July), the Red Cross said on Tuesday.
In what have been called the worst floods since 1988, entire villages have been submerged and the threat of cholera is increasing, with some 48 people killed since April from Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD).
"The rainy season has only just begun. We expect the peak within the next two weeks. That is really the critical time for us," said John English, leader of a Red Cross special team to assist relief work in Sudan.
English would not confirm the outbreak of cholera because the Sudanese government is reluctant to use the term, but said AWD is almost the exact same as the water-borne disease.
Swept away by the fierce waters
With the floods intensifying, the diseases are likely to spread, but English said the infection rate had stabilised as of Sunday.
"Flooding on this scale has not been seen for 20 years but, with the heavy rain predicted to continue, the fear is that the worst is still to come," said the Red Cross.
The relief agency said about 200 000 people have been displaced by the flooding, which has mostly affected eastern and central Sudan, leaving the capital Khartoum untouched.
The Red Cross has appealed for $4.6m to attend to the homeless and has established mobile clinics to care for those whose local hospitals have been swept away by the fierce waters.
The rains are expected to last until October and an estimated 2.4 million people in 16 states may be affected. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA