Sudan’s efforts to address the severe flooding situation received a boost after the United States announced additional $60 million in humanitarian assistance.
A statement released by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Friday said the support will also include life-saving emergency assistance with food, shelter, health and livelihoods.
“With this new funding, USAID will work with non-governmental organizations and international partners to help address urgent needs caused by the historic flooding, which has destroyed thousands of acres of crops, homes, and schools across Sudan, and left nearly a million people in need of humanitarian aid,” the statement read in part.
USAID added that it will coordinate with partners to also provide safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies due to an increased risk of waterborne diseases.
The U.S. pledged to continue supporting Sudan with humanitarian assistance in the “weeks and months ahead” even as the country, under the transitional government, enters a new era in international relations.
The floods have worsened the socioeconomic situation for many Sudanese people who are already bearing the weight of the threat of clashes, climate shocks and the coronavirus pandemic.
The rates of floods and rain in Sudan in 2020 surpassed the records set in 1946 and 1988.
Last month, the nation’s Defence Council declared a national state of emergency for three months due to the floods and designated Sudan a natural disaster zone.
More than 100 people have been killed and dozens of others injured by the floods, while property of unknown value has been destroyed.
