OCHA: One million people in South Darfur face severe water shortages

June 9, 2026 (PEN) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan with the start of the rainy season, noting that more than one million people in South Darfur are facing a severe shortage of water and sanitation services, which increases the risk of cholera and waterborne diseases.

The office said that the United Nations, in cooperation with non-governmental organizations and local partners, continues to provide life-saving assistance across Sudan, despite funding shortages, difficult access and insecurity.

He added that local responders are continuing their efforts to combat the cholera outbreak in several states, at a time when there are growing fears of waterborne diseases spreading with the rainy season.

According to the United Nations, organizations distributed food aid to 610,000 people in Tawila locality in North Darfur State, while a feeding campaign implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reached 340,000 people in Sennar State, most of them children.

Additionally, 340,000 displaced people in the Jabalain and Al Salam camps in White Nile State received cash assistance, and UNICEF provided safe water to 15,500 people in Kosti, Tendelti and Jabalain.

The World Food Programme is seeking to reach 340,000 refugees from South Sudan through vouchers, while the response included providing 340,000 children in Sennar State with Vitamin A supplements as part of a nutrition campaign implemented by UNICEF.

In the security context, OCHA expressed concern about the continued drone strikes, noting that reports indicated that at least 15 civilians were killed and others injured in recent attacks in the Kordofan region, in addition to the destruction of a major bridge in South Kordofan that is vital for the movement of civilians and the delivery of aid.

Tribal violence in South Darfur has also resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and the displacement of an estimated 13,500 others.

The United Nations renewed its call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian aid, stressing that additional funding is urgently needed to meet the needs of those affected in Sudan.