The flooding incident highlights the critical importance of effective dam management and maintenance, especially in regions prone to seasonal floods.
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army complicates the humanitarian response, as both parties blame each other for the disaster.
The situation underscores the need for international humanitarian assistance to address the immediate needs of displaced families and prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
If the dam's gates remain closed, the flooding could worsen, leading to more extensive damage and displacement in the region.
Increased international attention may prompt humanitarian organizations to intervene more actively in providing relief to affected communities.
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the army may hinder long-term recovery efforts and the restoration of essential services in the affected areas.
Details of the Jebel Aulia Dam Disaster in Sudan
On December 25, 2024, a catastrophic flood caused by the closure of the gates of the Jebel Aulia Dam on the White Nile River has led to the displacement of over 16,500 families, affecting approximately 83,000 individuals in South Sudan's White Nile State. The flooding has been attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) taking control of the dam area, raising concerns about the management and maintenance of the dam, which has historically been crucial for irrigation and electricity generation in the region.
The Jebel Aulia Dam, constructed in 1937, is located 44 kilometers south of Khartoum and was originally built under Egyptian supervision. It serves as a critical water supply for agricultural projects in Sudan. However, the recent closure of its gates has resulted in unprecedented water levels, leading to severe flooding in surrounding villages. Local authorities have reported that the flooding has submerged homes and swept through various communities, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance.
Responsibility and Accusations
The situation has escalated into a blame game between the RSF and the Sudanese army. Local officials have accused the RSF of closing the dam gates, which they claim directly caused the flooding. In contrast, the RSF has accused the army of conducting airstrikes that targeted the dam's technical staff, leading to the loss of lives among engineers and technicians. This conflict has hindered efforts to manage the dam effectively and mitigate the flooding.
Affected Areas and Humanitarian Response
The floodwaters have particularly devastated areas such as Al-Jazeera Aba, Abu Shatin, and Al-Qatina, where residents have resorted to using boats for rescue operations. Activists and volunteers have called for the RSF to allow engineers to reopen the dam gates to alleviate the flooding. The Humanitarian Emergency Committee has reported that the number of displaced families continues to rise, with many now homeless and in urgent need of assistance.
Causes of the Disaster
Experts have pointed to a combination of factors that contributed to the disaster, including a significant increase in water flow from Lake Victoria and inadequate maintenance of earthen bridges along the White Nile. The absence of qualified engineers to manage the dam has further exacerbated the situation, leading to calls for immediate action to restore proper management and maintenance of the dam and surrounding infrastructure.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the need for coordinated efforts to assist those affected and restore normalcy in the region becomes increasingly urgent.
