News Center- The conflict that erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues, killing more than 20,000 people and displacing about 14 million others.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern on Wednesday over the rising toll of hunger, disease and displacement in various conflict-ridden parts of Sudan.

In East Darfur state, the Lagawa displacement site, hosting over 7,000 people, is facing severe food shortages and repeated armed attacks, OCHA said. “Doctors are warning that the ongoing conflict continues to block the delivery of aid, so vulnerable families are left without access to food or healthcare.”

OCHA also warned that the catastrophic humanitarian situation is worsening in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur that has been under siege for 15 months. “Food shortages and soaring prices have forced community-run kitchens to shut down. Widespread hunger and malnutrition have reportedly caused several deaths and driven some residents to eat animal feed.”

According to OCHA, humanitarian organizations in the Tawila locality of North Darfur have had to strengthen their responses to rising cholera cases.  “They have expanded the capacities of treatment centres, but needs remain dire. With medical supplies running low, clean water supplies and the construction of latrines are urgent necessities.”

Extreme heat and torrential rains

OCHA also gave information about the effects of extreme heat and torrential rains in the country. “Meanwhile, floods and storms are displacing families and destroying homes across the country.”

According to OCHA, heavy rains in the Rahad locality of North Kordofan state on Monday displaced around 550 people and damaged or destroyed more than 170 homes.

“Torrential rains in the eastern state of Kasssala have devastated the Gharb Almatar displacement site, affecting more than 6,000 people. Many tents were flooded, exposing children to cold, hunger and unsanitary conditions. Displaced families urgently need cash assistance, shelter and protection.”

OCHA once again called on international donors to scale up funding for the response.