Floods, War, and Disease: Sudan's Tragic Convergence

In the midst of a devastating conflict, Sudan is facing a triple threat: floods, war, and disease. The country has been plagued by more than 17 months of fighting between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, which has led to widespread displacement, poverty, and humanitarian crises. The war has also created a fertile ground for the spread of diseases like cholera, which has claimed at least 388 lives and infected over 13,000 people in the past two months. The disease has been spreading rapidly in areas affected by recent heavy rainfall and floods, particularly in eastern Sudan where millions of internally displaced people are sheltering. The situation is dire, with six people dying and over 400 others falling ill over the weekend alone. Cholera is a highly contagious infection that can cause severe dehydration and even death within hours if left untreated. The war in Sudan has been marked by atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The United Nations has reported that at least 20,000 people have been killed, and tens of thousands others wounded, although rights groups and activists believe the toll is much higher. The conflict has also created the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 13 million people forced to flee their homes since the fighting began. Devastating seasonal floods have further exacerbated the situation, killing at least 225 people and injuring about 900 others. Critical infrastructure has been washed away, and more than 76,000 houses have been destroyed or damaged. The floods have also led to the destruction of crops and livestock, leaving many people without access to food and clean water. In addition to the human toll, the conflict has also had a devastating impact on the country's economy. The International Organization for Migration has reported that more than 2. 3 million people have fled to neighboring countries, while the Famine Review Committee has warned that about 25. 6 million people – more than half of Sudan's population – will face acute hunger this year.