Khartoum: Authorities in Sudan have raised an alarm about potential flooding risks following a significant rise in the water levels of the Nile river and its tributaries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has reported that six out of the 18 states in the country, including the capital city of Khartoum, are experiencing increased water levels that have escalated to dangerous heights.
According to Bahrain News Agency, residents in the affected areas have been advised to take preventative measures to safeguard themselves and their properties. This advisory comes as Sudan typically faces destructive flooding during the months of August and September, attributed to intense rainfall within the country and the highlands of neighboring Ethiopia. The Blue Nile, originating in Ethiopia, is a major contributor to the flooding due to its role as the main tributary of the Nile.
Recent floods in Sudan have resulted in significant material damage, loss of life, and a reduction in power generation from hydroelectric dams along the Blue Nile. Apart from Khartoum, the states identified as being at high risk include Blue Nile, Sennar, Al Jazeera, Nile River, and White Nile.
The ongoing concerns are compounded by the broader regional implications, particularly regarding Sudan's need for information on dam operations upstream. This has been a point of contention with Egypt, which perceives any changes to its share of Nile water as a severe threat, potentially affecting agriculture and food security. The Blue and White Niles converge in Khartoum, continuing northward through Sudan's deserts into Egypt, a nation that relies heavily on the Nile for its freshwater supplies.