AFRICA/SUDAN - Rain and wind storms are causing severe damage in South Darfur

Nyala (Agenzia Fides) - A downpour has destroyed more than 100 houses in a camp for the displaced near Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. El Salam camp spokesman told the local radio station Radio Dabanga that the rains were accompanied by severe winds that lasted for more than four hours. The storm has destroyed houses and left the affected families out in the open without shelter. In Kalma camp, torrential rains, also accompanied by strong winds, destroyed four classrooms of a school that usually accommodates about 400 students. The accumulated water blocks the streets. In addition, many children in the refugee camp suffer from a shortage of food and poor sanitary provisions.
Radio Dabanga reported that many of the more than 163,000 displaced people in Kalma camp suffer from a shortage of food and poor sanitary provisions, as the floods have flooded latrines. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, however, has reported that two international humanitarian organizations are disinfecting or replacing damaged household latrines. Further downpours in Central Darfur have destroyed 20 houses and 170 tents in Hassahissa camp in Zalingei. In view of the rainy season this year, the National Council of Sudan for Civil Defense had announced the evacuation to safe places of 114 out of 182 villages at risk of torrential rains and floods. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 05/08/2015)