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NUMBERS of villagers caught up in flooding across Sudan could be as high as 500,000, reports aid agency Plan International.
More than 25,000 homes have been destroyed and a further 27,000 damaged after weeks of heavy rain around the capital Khartoum and other areas.
Schools have also been hit with Plan helping survivors, focusing on children and other vulnerable groups.
Official figures place the number of children killed at 31, through drowning or electrocution, with a further 158 injured by floating debris.
“The level of the Blue Nile is rising at an alarming rate and is expected to continue rising as heavy rains are reported in the Ethiopian highlands,” says Plan’s emergency response manager in Sudan, Kamal Awouda.
“Children are usually the most affected in such disasters. We will strive to ensure that children are protected and their needs are fulfilled.”
Aid workers for Plan have distributed food and water to those in need, as well as providing spray pumps to help combat malaria.
The charity is also preparing to help villages prepare for future emergencies and lessen the impact of floods.
With further poor weather forecast, Plan will continue to liaise with other NGOs and government departments during the crisis.
“The rainy season is at its beginning and according to the metrological department more heavy rain is expected,” says Mr Awouda.
“We’ll keep monitoring the situation and continue assessing damage and needs.”
- For more information visit www.plan-uk.org
