The current heavy rainfall and flooding in southern Sudan have escalated since May, resulting in at least 52 fatalities and affecting more than 38,000 people to date. The unfolding disaster continues to unfold across multiple states with new figures emerging from official sources and humanitarian agencies.
According to Abdelyalil Abdelrahim, spokesperson for the Sudan National Civil Defense Council, the death toll from torrential rains and floods has risen across the country, reaching 52 lives lost and 25 injuries, as reported by SUNA, the official Sudanese news agency. The spokesperson noted that thousands of homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, with approximately 6,000 families losing their residences entirely. In addition, around twenty public facilities, including schools and hospitals, have sustained substantial damage, and about 225 hectares of agricultural land have become largely unusable as a result of the flooding.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a statement on Sunday confirming that more than 38,000 people have been affected, with nine states reporting that homes were completely or partially destroyed. The most impacted areas are concentrated in the southern regions, particularly those near the Nile River as well as the districts of Kordofan and Darfur, where the flood impact has been most acute.
The rainy season in Sudan typically extends through October each year, bringing with it recurring and significant disruption. This year’s flooding, while severe, has not reached the catastrophic levels observed in some prior years. In 2020, official statistics recorded 138 deaths, with approximately 900,000 people affected and 2.2 million hectares of crops flooded according to United Nations data. These historical comparisons help frame the current situation and guide relief efforts for communities most at risk.
Humanitarian agencies emphasize that the rapidly changing flood conditions demand sustained response efforts, including emergency shelter, clean water, food distribution, and access to healthcare in affected districts. Local authorities across Sudan continue to coordinate with international partners to provide aid, assess damages, and plan for longer-term recovery and resilience in the most vulnerable communities.