Over 1.6 million people affected by Khartoum floods

More than 1.6 million people were affected by the August floods in the Elbugaa, El Ameer, El Salam and West Suburb areas of Khartoum State, according to an OCHA report, issued this month. It said more than 30,000 houses were destroyed and an equal number damaged. Fifteen schools were completely damaged and 53 partially. OCHA said the priority activities included cleaning drains and clearing debris from under bridges. The provision of tents and plastic sheets for temporary roofing had helped victims to safely store their belongings. Safe water access and increased healthcare was also provided. In El Gezira State, vast areas received heavy rainfall which affected some 164,000 people and over 20,000 houses damaged, the report said. Some 45 schools and 30 health centres were partly damaged. The main causes of flooding were the sudden heavy rainfalls, poor drainage and poor planning of villages. The report said stagnant water caused widespread mosquito breeding, leading to an expected increase in malaria.