U.N. warns of worsening displacement and disease risks in Sudan

U.N. humanitarian officials told a briefing that intensifying fighting across Sudan has forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, increased the risk of disease and highlighted an urgent need for funding and access.

The briefing cited International Organization for Migration reporting that heightened insecurity forced nearly 47,000 people out of the towns of Kiwe and Nuhu this month, including many who had already been internally displaced. U.N. speakers said about 1,000 people were displaced from Abu Shoop camp and town in the past week; many sought safety in other parts of El Fasho locality or fled to Tawela.

The briefing said North Darfur state is hosting more than 1,700,000 displaced people and that soaring food prices and rising cholera cases are deepening the crisis. In Khartoum, the U.N. said a near‑total electricity blackout over the past week — reportedly after a drone attack on power infrastructure — has severely disrupted access to water and health care. The briefing warned that residents are resorting to unsafe water sources, increasing risk of waterborne disease.

In White Nile state, the U.N. said recent arrivals included more than 25,000 South Sudanese refugees over the past six weeks, mostly women and children, and called for expanded assistance. The briefing reiterated an urgent need for more access and flexible funding for partners.

The U.N. said that to date $552,000,000 has been received for the humanitarian response plan this year, representing about 13% of the $4,200,000,000 requested for the plan.