In brief
Following a week of drone strikes by the Rapid Support Forces, Port Sudan is grappling with severe water shortages and blackouts, as residents, including displaced families, struggle to survive amid rising prices and dwindling resources.
Port Sudan, once a relative sanctuary amidst Sudan’s protracted civil war, now finds itself in turmoil after a week of relentless aerial attacks from the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The city has been heavily impacted, with soaring water prices and prolonged power outages compounding the distress of its residents.For six days, the city endured drone bombardments that have left three fuel depots ablaze, producing plumes of thick smoke that dominate the skyline. Rescue teams are fighting to extinguish the flames, but their efforts are hampered by resource shortages. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, ignited by a power struggle between RSF leaders and the army over two years ago, has escalated into one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, displacing over 12 million individuals.Among those seeking refuge in Port Sudan is 26-year-old Mutasim, who recounted a dramatic increase in water prices. Previously able to purchase a daily supply for 2,000 Sudanese pounds (about $3.30), he now faces a daunting price of 10,000 pounds—a leap that leaves his family struggling to cover basic needs for cooking and hygiene.Despite the chaos, some semblance of daily life continues, with markets operating. However, residents, like Mutasim, now face agonizing waits for petrol, sometimes standing in line for five hours. "We thought we left the danger behind us, but now it's no longer safe here," he lamented, contemplating whether to seek shelter elsewhere given the mounting dangers.The lack of electricity has compounded the situation; many port inhabitants, including elderly residents like Mutasim's aunt, suffer in the searing heat without fans. Hawa Mustafa, a school teacher originally from el-Geneina, echoed the spirit of fear looming over the city after the attacks. “We are trapped,” she expressed, worried about her safety and the future of her children as they rely on an unstable shelter.Humanitarian organizations, historically reliant on Port Sudan as a critical passage for aid delivery due to its port and international airport, face an uncertain future. The UN’s World Food Programme has reported that aid distribution could be severely jeopardized by ongoing attacks, threatening the nourishment of those in dire need across the nation, where famine looms in several regions.As darkness envelops the city at night, the bustling scenes of cafes and social gatherings have vanished, replaced by an eerie silence as residents remain indoors for their safety. With challenges escalating, the hope of recovery seems increasingly distant for the people of Port Sudan.
