Humanitarian community provides rapid response to floods in north of Sudan

As flooding affects areas of Khartoum, White Nile, Blue Nile and Kassala states in the north of Sudan, a multi-agency emergency response from the humanitarian community has ensured that thousands of affected families are receiving vital assistance.

Using the Common Pipeline system – a joint supply operation managed by the UN Joint Logistics Centre with support from UNICEF and the NGO CARE – government efforts to respond to flooding have been boosted by the provision of essential supplies including plastic sheeting, blankets, cooking sets, jerry cans, sleeping mats and mosquito nets. These items have already been distributed to 1,000 families in Kosti in White Nile state, and to an additional 85 households in Geissan in Blue Nile state with assistance from local authorities and UNMIS. In Kassala, UNICEF has provided the NGO GOAL with plastic sheeting for 1,000 families in immediate need, with the Common Pipeline providing 3,000 jerry cans.

Speaking on behalf of the Common Pipeline partners, Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Chief of Field Operations in the north of Sudan, said “In times of emergency, the ability of different agencies to work together quickly and effectively is critical. The Common Pipeline demonstrates that we can get essential supplies to the most vulnerable families with the minimum of delay, lightening the burden on those already experiencing great hardship and loss.”

In preparation for new requests for help, the Common Pipeline has also pre-positioned emergency household supplies for up to 500 families in Kosti, and for 1,000 families in Kassala, while in Khartoum the Common Pipeline system has prepared emergency supplies for distribution to approximately 4,000 families in high risk areas. The Common Pipeline also has supplies on stand-by in Khartoum ready for despatch in case of further flooding.

In addition to this joint assistance, UNICEF has provided essential drugs to health centres in flood-affected areas that will meet the needs of 80,000 people for one month. UNICEF has also provided chlorine powder and tablets to treat water supplies for at least 50,000 people. A number of agencies, including UNICEF, are deploying field staff to undertake assessments alongside partners on the ground, identifying new needs that may arise.

“This joint effort in support of the Government of Sudan will ultimately ease the plight of those affected by the floods and ensure that those living in high-risk areas can be provided with timely assistance should they need it,” added Veitch.



About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.