Friday, July 20, 2007

Sudan getroffen door hevigste overstromingen ooit in haar geschiedenis

While the UK prepares for yet more flooding the Sudan is experiencing what some are describing as the worst floods in living memory.

The heavy rain and flash floods have resulted in overflowing rivers forcing hundreds of families to seek higher ground to escape the floodwaters.

More than 50 people have been killed and 20 injured, while over 18,000 houses have been destroyed across the country in the past few weeks.

The worst hit areas are in the east, southeast and around the Khartoum (capital city) area, where police helicopters and government planes were flying in emergency aid and tents.

The Republic of Sudan is desert for most of the year until the rainy season arrives, usually around June and lasts until September. The rains do occasionally bring flooding to Sudan, especially in the east, but this year is of particular note due to the amount of people affected.