Sudan: Hailstorms Destroy 3,750 Farms in South Darfur

What the report says

Heavy hailstorms have damaged farms in the Daous area, northwest of Kass locality in South Darfur, Sudan, according to Dabanga via AllAfrica. The report says at least 3,750 farms were destroyed across an area estimated at about 30 kilometres, with the storm striking around 3 p.m. local time. Local authorities described the event as unusually severe for the area.

Hafiz El Saleh, the executive director of Kass locality, said no deaths or injuries were reported because residents were not present in the affected area when the hail fell. He also said farmers in the zone lost crops and, with them, important sources of income. The destruction was said to be widespread, affecting agricultural land in multiple parts of the locality.

In response, El Saleh said a committee made up of representatives from local institutions has been formed to assess the damage and identify affected farmers. The group is expected to submit a report to the relevant authorities on the losses and possible compensation measures. He also appealed for urgent help from international organizations, the wider international community, and officials to support recovery and reduce the impact on farmers.

More broadly, hailstorms are a known weather hazard that can devastate crops in a short time, especially in areas where farming is heavily dependent on seasonal production and limited local support. The reported losses in South Darfur highlight the vulnerability of agricultural communities to extreme weather.