Five children die in South Darfur camp deluge

Five children have died and at least 1,500 homes and shelters collapsed in the heavy rains and consequent flash floods that struck Kalma camp for the displaced near Nyala in South Darfur.

Saleh Eisa, the secretary-general of camp Kalma told Radio Dabanga on Tuesday that 1,500 families are affected in the camp. “They are living in the open and sleeping on the ground in extremely inhumane conditions, amid a complete absence of humanitarian organisations and official bodies.”

He explained that the floods and rains also led to the collapse of 200 latrines in the camp and the loss of about 50 goats and sheep.

“The situation in the camp is now catastrophic, and needs the urgent intervention of humanitarian organisations,” he said.

“The rainwater is mixing with the toilet sewage that has no way of draining. Mosquitoes and flies spread disease among the displaced, and the schools have closed because their classrooms are flooded.”

The secretary-general appealed to humanitarian organisations to immediately intervene by providing plastic bags, medicine, and equipment to open the sewer drainage.