Heavy rains kill eight people in S. Darfur

Sources told Radio Dabanga that at least eight people drowned and more than 1000 acres of land got washed away due to recent torrential rains in Gereida area, South Darfur in the beginning of this week. They added the main roads leading to the Gereida area are impassable. Radio Dabanga was informed that the Shenga Valley, Gereida town and surroundings got struck by the rains killing eight people. Witnesses said that local farmers are using municipal boats, empty barrels and bed-frames tied on horses to cross the Valley from Gereida to their farms. They added these people are exposing themselves to great danger by crossing the flooded Valley. According to local citizens the roads connecting Gereida to Nyala, to Bram and to Joghana became impassable due to the storms.Via Radio Dabanga citizens appealed to the federal authorities and to the state government to build a bridge over Shenga Valley. They said this will help avoiding the recurring problems and suffering they endure every year because of the heavy rains. Malaria on the rise At the same time, citizens from Gereida complained to Radio Dabanga about the increasing amount of mosquitoes and of malaria cases in the area. They said the large numbers of ponds and stagnant water accumulating due to the heavy rainfalls are causing these problems. Gereida citizens demanded that the national and state governments and foreign aid organizations provide them immediate relief before environmental and humanitarian disasters occur. Related content: Torrential rains leave five people dead in Gereida, South Darfur (23 August 2012)