September 24, 2020

Since July, heavy rainfall has been experienced in multiple locations across Sudan resulting in flooding in 16 of the 18 States. Houses, infrastructure and crops have been destroyed leaving the population vulnerable and at risk of hunger and disease. Thousands of families are homeless and remain in shock from the devastation and loss of loved ones. Reports indicate that more than 100,000 homes have been carried away by the floods while over 100 lives have been lost. Food crops have been destroyed; there is no access to clean drinking water; and exposure to water and vector borne disease is high. Since the onset of the floods, the Sudanese Red Crescent has been at the forefront of the response. More than 1,450 Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been involved in search and rescue, providing first aid services, psychosocial support and registration of damages to houses, livestock and properties.

To help the Sudanese Red Crescent provide assistance, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal focused on providing support to the immediate and long-term recovery needs to at least 200,000 people affected by the flooding. This includes assistance with shelter, health and care, safe water and re-establishing proper sanitation to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. The American Red Cross, the Caterpillar Foundation’s disaster relief partner, is currently coordinating with the IFRC on how best they can assist.

How the Caterpillar Foundation is helping.

The Caterpillar Foundation is a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). This program provides a funding base that allows the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disasters. This model has proven to be efficient and effective in immediately meeting disaster relief needs, ensuring the Red Cross has the funds to prepare for disasters before they occur.