By Richard Johnstone | 12 August 2013

The United Nation’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it has been co-ordinating disaster relief in Sudan for the estimated 150,000 people who have been affected by flooding.

Flooding has occurred across 8 of the 18 states in the country following heavy rainfall, which began earlier this month.

Agencies and charities are working to get food, water and shelter to people affected, OCHA said. At least 26,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed, it estimated.

The UN and its partners ­– including the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the Khartoum State Commission for Voluntary and Humanitarian Work – have already provided emergency relief items, including tents, plastic sheeting, blankets, water cans, buckets and mosquito nets from emergency stockpiles. They have also provided mobile clinics, drinking water, and sanitation services, an OCHA statement confirmed.

‘More rains are expected in the coming days and the estimated number of affected people is likely to rise further as rains continue and as more information becomes available.

‘Other emergency support is currently being mobilised, particularly food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services,’ it added.