Sudan: Displaced in South Darfur Shelters Face Critical Humanitarian Conditions

What the report says

Emergency workers and health centres in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, say conditions in several displacement shelters are worsening as the rainy season intensifies. According to Dabanga’s report via AllAfrica, hundreds of displaced families are coping with shortages of food, drinking water, medicines, shelter materials and hygiene supplies. The article says the situation has become especially difficult for people living in open areas or in classrooms damaged by rainwater leaks.

A member of Nyala’s emergency room and health centres, Nibras Abdullah, described multiple shelters where needs remain acute. The report said El Jir shelter houses about 214 families and needs repairs to toilets, empty latrines and better security, while El Hamaira shelter in El Wadi neighbourhood, with about 274 families, urgently needs food, water, hygiene items and medicines for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Other sites mentioned include El Zahra, Mahira School, El Savana, the airport area, the commercial school, customs and the technical school.

Dabanga said overcrowding is also a major concern, with some classrooms reportedly sheltering more than seven to 10 families each. Abdullah said aid is reaching some centres, but not at a level that matches growing needs or rising prices. She called for urgent action from humanitarian organisations and local authorities to provide essentials, improve temporary shelter and repair sanitation facilities.

The report highlights the broader strain on displaced communities in South Darfur, where conflict-related displacement and seasonal rains can quickly turn inadequate shelter into a health and protection risk.