国际英语新闻:World shows concerns over humanitarian situation caused by rains, floods in Sudan

KHARTOUM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum on Monday announced allocation of over 2 million U.S. dollars for the emergencies in Sudan, while Kuwait and Qatar announced provision of humanitarian assistance for those affected by heavy rains and floods in the country.

The flood response includes shelter, non-food items, drugs and medical supplies, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection, in addition to support in the areas of logistics and transport, the U.S. embassy said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sudan's acting Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Mohamed Al-Sinari on Monday announced that Kuwait intends to steer an air bridge of humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected people in Sudan, official SUNA news agency reported.

"The air bridge from Kuwait will begin with the arrival of a plane carrying more than 40 tons of food material and medicines on coming Friday," Al-Sinari was quoted in the report as saying after meeting with the Kuwaiti ambassador in Khartoum Bassam Al-Qabandi.

He noted that Sudan's Humanitarian Aid Commission would receive the Kuwaiti assistance and distribute them according to priority.

Similarly, the Qatari Red Crescent on Sunday launched an urgent humanitarian mission to assist the people affected by the seasonal rains and floods which swept housing areas in 17 Sudanese states, Sudan Tribune reported.

The Qatari Red Crescent noted that it has actually began distribution of mosquito nets, blankets, water and cooking materials and others.

Last week, Saudi Arabia provided assistance for the people affected by the rains and floods in Sudan, while the Saudi Ambassador in Khartoum on Sunday inspected the affected areas north of Khartoum and provided material assistance to the people at Al-Jaili and Wad Ramly areas.

On Sunday, Sulaiman Abdul-Jabbar, acting undersecretary of Sudan's health ministry, announced that the death toll in the rains and floods rose to 62 people, with 98 others wounded.

A total of 35,850 families have been affected nationwide, he said, adding 22,676 houses completely collapsed.

However, Jabbar noted that Sudan has the capability to face the danger of the current rainy season.

"We have not yet reached stage of declaration of disaster or appealing for external aid and assistance," he said.

Since the beginning of August, most states of Sudan have been struck by heavy rains which caused many houses to collapse and cut off main roads.