The ongoing conflict between the RSF and SAF has caused the White Nile’s water levels to rise dramatically – with the Jebel Aulia Dam unable to regulate the flow (due to its closure since being seized), the flooding has surged across several areas.

Towns like Al-Duwaym, Shabasha, and Kosti are now suffering the consequences of this, with widespread displacement of families also a result.

The rising water levels are sparking a crisis

With the flooding having already destroyed homes and forced countless families to flee, many are now left without shelter, food, or access to clean water. Images of people wading through waist-high water with their belongings in hand have painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground now.

A crisis unfolds at Jabel Awlia Dam as unchecked flooding devastates homes, forcing countless families into displacement. a technical team must be sent to assess and control the water. Lives and livelihoods depend on urgent action @UNICEFSudan @UNEP #KeepEyesOnSudan pic.twitter.com/ttC4JAwNxY

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— alwaleed Adam (@AlwaleedAdam) December 23, 2024

The role of the Jebel Aulia Dam

The Jebel Aulia Dam has been crucial for regulating the White Nile’s flow. With its gates left unmanaged, water has built up uncontrollably, already causing catastrophic flooding downstream.

Having been put in place since 1937, as one of the world’s largest dams, with a reservoir capacity of 2.3 billion cubic meters, this crisis only highlights how the neglect of such infrastructure can become severe humanitarian challenges in the future.

A number of areas are now at risk

Communities along the White Nile, including Al-Dwaym, Shabasha, and Kosti, remain at high risk of further flooding. Thousands have already been displaced, and if water levels continue to rise, the impact could expand to other towns, putting even more lives and livelihoods at stake.

 

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A post shared by Lovin Khartoum | لوڤن الخرطوم (@lovinkhartoum)

An urgent need for coordinated action is needed to mitigate the crisis!

Authorities and human organisations will need to deploy technical teams to address the dam’s structural issues, help regulate water levels, as well as implement flood preparedness plans across the country.

Make sure you show your support by either donating to trusted organisations and spreading awareness on social media.

@lovinkhartoum In Sudan’s Nile River State, villagers are bravely using their bodies as barriers to protect their homes from floods. This powerful display of resilience not only showcases their strength, but also the community’s ability to keep adapting in the face of climate change. #lovinkhartoum #lovinsudan #khartoum #sudan #sudanese #sudanconflict ♬ original sound – Lovin Khartoum

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