Sudanese Army Deploys Helicopters to Evacuate Villagers Trapped by Flooding Gash River

Strategic Insights -

The Sudanese army has launched a rescue operation to evacuate villagers trapped by the flooding Gash River in eastern Kassala state. The flooding, caused by the seasonal Gash River, has cut off the city of Kassala and surrounding rural areas, prompting the army to deploy helicopters to deliver food aid and evacuate residents. The situation is compounded by the ongoing flood alert issued by authorities in Northern State, warning residents along the Nile to take necessary precautions to protect lives and property. The flooding is expected to last until the end of October, with water levels expected to remain high due to the Merowe Dam's operation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sudanese army has deployed helicopters to evacuate villagers trapped by the flooding Gash River in eastern Kassala state.
  • The flooding, caused by the seasonal Gash River, has cut off the city of Kassala and surrounding rural areas for the past two days.
  • Authorities in Northern State have issued urgent warnings of dangerously high Nile levels expected to last until October.
  • Residents of Tandlai village, which has been completely cut off from floodwaters, have received food aid from military helicopters.
  • Villagers in the area have long demanded the construction of an 18-kilometre road to connect the area to the national highway, which would protect them from annual flooding.
  • Officials in Merowe locality are warning residents to take necessary precautions to protect lives and property due to the significant rise in water levels.
  • The Merowe Dam administration had issued a bulletin on August 10 forecasting the rise in water levels based on high water levels monitored in the upper reaches of the Nile.
  • The dam's administration noted that this would require a gradual opening of the spillway gates over the coming weeks.
  • The rise in water levels is expected to continue until the end of October, affecting communities downstream from the Merowe Dam.

Statistics:

  • The Gash River has swollen, threatening the city of Kassala and surrounding rural areas.
  • The seasonal Gash River is expected to remain high until October.
  • The rise in water levels is expected to continue until the end of October.
  • The Merowe Dam administration had issued a bulletin on August 10 forecasting the rise in water levels.
  • The dam's administration noted that this would require a gradual opening of the spillway gates over the coming weeks.

Sources:

  • Sudanese army press release, citing Army Commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
  • News article on flooding in eastern Kassala state.