Government efforts to respond to the floods have been bolstered by the Common Pipeline system, which is an operation managed by the UN Joint Logistics Centre with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the non-governmental organization (NGO) CARE.

Approximately 1,000 families in Kosti in White Nile state have received relief aid, while supplies have been delivered to 85 households in Geissan in Blue Nile state with assistance from local authorities and the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).

In Kassala state, UNICEF has provided plastic sheeting for 1,000 families in immediate need through the NGO GOAL, while the Common Pipeline has supplied 3,000 jerry cans.

“In times of emergency, the ability of different agencies to work together quickly and effectively is critical,” said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Operations in northern Sudan, speaking on behalf of the Common Pipeline’s partners.

The partnership, established in 2004, “demonstrates that we can get essential supplies to the most vulnerable families with the minimum of delay, lightening the burden on those already experiencing great hardship and loss,” he added.

To respond to additional requests for assistance, the Common Pipeline has prepared emergency supplies for up to 500 families in Kosti, 1,000 households in Kassala and 4,000 families in high-risk areas in Khartoum.

“This joint effort in support of the Government of Sudan will ultimately ease the plight of those affected by the floods and ensure that those living in high-risk areas can be provided with timely assistance should they need it,” noted Mr. Veitch.

In addition to this joint assistance, UNICEF has delivered much-needed medicines to health centres in flood-impacted areas to meet the needs of 80,000 people for one month. The agency has also provided chlorine powder and tablets to treat water supplies for roughly 50,000 people.