Heavy rain in Khartoum State has left 12,500 families without adequate shelter.  Flooding has affected everyone in the Khartoum area, but families living in camps for internally displaced people around Khartoum have been hit the hardest. Some families in these vulnerable communities live in semi-permanent shelters constructed from mud bricks, which have been dried in the sun and cannot withstand the current wet conditions, many others live in makeshift shelters constructed out of tarpaulins and whatever other materials they can find.

 

FAR is the only international agency working in Omdurman As-Salaam and Wad El Bashier, two communities on the outskirts of Khartoum.  FAR is currently conducting a needs assessment and trying to secure funding to help fill the needs created by the floods.  While long-term needs are still being assessed, many families are in need of emergency shelter supplies.

 

Water and sanitation is also a concern as many latrines have collapsed and water from the flood threatens to contaminate water supplies.  Disease is also immanent, especially as stagnant water breeds malaria-carrying mosquitoes and people are without proper housing.  FAR’s Khartoum State team is responding to calls for help and will be working with partner organizations to meet the needs of the communities.

 

FAR seeks to address emergency needs now and work with communities to find sustainable solutions in the long term, including preparing for future disasters.  If you would like to partner with FAR by contributing financially to the flood response, please go to our Donate Now page and designate your gift to Khartoum Flood Relief 2009.