April 26, 2023
2 mins read

Sudan heads for catastrophe, warns UN official

At least 20 hospitals have been forced to close due to damage, military use, or lack of resources…reports Asian Lite News

Fighting in Sudan is quickly turning an already dire humanitarian crisis into a catastrophe, said UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya.

What has been unfolding in Sudan since April 15, when violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces broke out, is a nightmare for ordinary citizens and aid workers alike, she told the Security Council in a briefing.

Even prior to April 15, humanitarian needs in Sudan were at a record high.

Up to 15.8 million people — a staggering one-third of the country’s population — needed humanitarian aid, she said, adding that four million children and pregnant and lactating women were malnourished.

Some 3.7 million people were internally displaced, Msuya added.

“This conflict will not only deepen those needs. It also threatens to unleash an entirely new wave of humanitarian challenges. Fighting is massively impeding and imperiling aid operations. A humanitarian crisis is quickly turning into a catastrophe,” she warned.

More than 450 people have been killed and over 4,000 others injured. At least 20 hospitals have been forced to close due to damage, military use, or lack of resources. Power cuts and fuel shortages risk damaging vaccine stocks and water supplies, a precursor to the spread of disease, said Msuya.

There have been numerous reports of sexual and gender-based violence. The toll on mental health and psychological well-being, especially among children, is unimaginable, she added.

Msuya said the world body’s commitment to the people of Sudan remains resolute even though the situation is extremely dangerous and alarming, adding that the UN is exploring ways to replenish stockpiles so that it can deliver aid to partners in Port Sudan and elsewhere, as soon as it is safe to do so.

The UN is activating a hub in Nairobi, Kenya, to support the rapid response, and is preparing for refugee influxes into countries across the region, she said, adding that tens of thousands of people have arrived in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

“What the people of Sudan need, what we need to reach them, is an immediate ceasefire and a lasting solution to the crisis,” said Msuya.

ALSO READ: Second rescue flight from Sudan reaches Cyprus

Previous Story

Kerala reaches out to its citizens stranded in Sudan

Next Story

India renews push for easier visas for its companies in UK

Latest from -Top News

India, Namibia to Boost Ties During Modi Visit

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia, and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to

Quantum Leap Secures India’s Edge

The Minister said India has entered a new quantum era, set to transform future warfare….reports Asian Lite News India has taken a major leap in defence and cyber security by successfully demonstrating

India’s Growth Defies West Asia Tensions

The deepening crisis in West Asia, particularly between Israel and Iran, has had little to no visible impact on India’s economic trajectory or its export performance….reports Asian Lite News The limited trade

FM Sitharaman Embarks on Three-Nation Tour

She is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance….reports Asian Lite News Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her official visit to Spain, Portugal,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UN envoy says solution ‘closest’ to end political crisis in Sudan

Many areas of consensus have emerged in the consultations on

UAE welcomes talks between Sudan’s warring factions

The Ministry affirmed the UAE’s commitment to working with its