Port Sudan, once a refuge from Sudan's civil war, is now suffering from a humanitarian crisis following six days of drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces. The attacks have disrupted water and power supply, leading to skyrocketing prices for essential resources as families are left struggling to cope with the turmoil.
Port Sudan Faces Dire Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Attacks
Port Sudan Faces Dire Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Attacks
A week of aerial bombardments in Port Sudan has left the city grappling with severe shortages of water and power, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.
In the past week, the skyline of Port Sudan has been shrouded in black smoke following a series of aerial assaults by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), changing the city's dynamic drastically. Previously perceived as a safe haven during Sudan's prolonged civil war, the city now finds itself amidst alarming humanitarian challenges, including severe shortages of water and power.
The attacks focused on the local fuel depots, necessary for powering the pumps that draw groundwater, making water increasingly scarce and costly. A resident named Mutasim shared his experience, revealing that water prices rose dramatically from 2,000 Sudanese pounds ($3.30) to 10,000 pounds ($16.50) in just one week, which has made it hard for his family to afford this essential resource. He fears the situation may worsen, indicating that they might soon struggle to buy even the basics needed for daily living.
However, water scarcity is only part of the story. Lengthy queues have appeared outside petrol stations, with residents, including Mutasim, waiting hours for fuel, which remains critical for daily activities and preparations in the city. Until recently, Port Sudan enjoyed a semblance of normalcy with its markets open and the public able to enjoy evenings outside; this has now vanished under the pressure of conflict.
Many evacuees, like 40-year-old Hawa Mustafa from Darfur, reflect the fears and uncertainties that have returned after feeling secure for a time. Living in a displacement shelter with her children, she expressed alarm at the renewed violence, which has shaken her to her core. The persistent sounds of drones and fighting remind her of the earlier hardships faced during the conflict in her hometown.
The humanitarian ramifications of the drone strikes are particularly troubling, as Port Sudan has served as a critical supply route for aid organizations, including the UN's World Food Programme, which relies on the city's port and functional airport to deliver assistance throughout the war-torn country. Currently, agencies express concern that continued violence might hinder vital aid flow, further threatening the health and safety of millions.
The city, now in the grip of daily blackouts, has seen a marked reduction in the sense of community once experienced in public spaces, as residents are now confined indoors, prioritizing safety over social life. As the humanitarian crisis escalates, many Port Sudan residents like Mariam Atta fear for their lives and futures, grappling with an ever-evolving conflict that has shifted the landscape of survival in Sudan.
The attacks focused on the local fuel depots, necessary for powering the pumps that draw groundwater, making water increasingly scarce and costly. A resident named Mutasim shared his experience, revealing that water prices rose dramatically from 2,000 Sudanese pounds ($3.30) to 10,000 pounds ($16.50) in just one week, which has made it hard for his family to afford this essential resource. He fears the situation may worsen, indicating that they might soon struggle to buy even the basics needed for daily living.
However, water scarcity is only part of the story. Lengthy queues have appeared outside petrol stations, with residents, including Mutasim, waiting hours for fuel, which remains critical for daily activities and preparations in the city. Until recently, Port Sudan enjoyed a semblance of normalcy with its markets open and the public able to enjoy evenings outside; this has now vanished under the pressure of conflict.
Many evacuees, like 40-year-old Hawa Mustafa from Darfur, reflect the fears and uncertainties that have returned after feeling secure for a time. Living in a displacement shelter with her children, she expressed alarm at the renewed violence, which has shaken her to her core. The persistent sounds of drones and fighting remind her of the earlier hardships faced during the conflict in her hometown.
The humanitarian ramifications of the drone strikes are particularly troubling, as Port Sudan has served as a critical supply route for aid organizations, including the UN's World Food Programme, which relies on the city's port and functional airport to deliver assistance throughout the war-torn country. Currently, agencies express concern that continued violence might hinder vital aid flow, further threatening the health and safety of millions.
The city, now in the grip of daily blackouts, has seen a marked reduction in the sense of community once experienced in public spaces, as residents are now confined indoors, prioritizing safety over social life. As the humanitarian crisis escalates, many Port Sudan residents like Mariam Atta fear for their lives and futures, grappling with an ever-evolving conflict that has shifted the landscape of survival in Sudan.
