Massive Fire Engulfs More Than Homes in IDPs Camp In Darfur
Tawila -Sudanhorizon
A massive fire broke out on Sunday in the Kalma camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), South Darfur State, destroying over a thousand homes and displacing thousands of families already living in dire humanitarian conditions.
According to a press release issued by Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the Darfur IDP and Refugee Coordination, the fire, which started in a single house, spread rapidly due to the narrow allies and closely juxtaposed huts within the camp, causing extensive damage to homes, stored crops, and personal belongings.
One displaced woman with special needs was injured in the blaze and was transferred to Nyala Hospital in critical condition.
The losses included the burning of enormous quantities of food crops, in addition to the loss of the IDPs’ basic possessions.
Although no lives were lost, the humanitarian situation for those affected was described as catastrophic, with thousands of families now without shelter or food.
The Kalma camp is one of the largest IDP camps in Darfur. Having hosted over 300,000 people since the outbreak of war in 2003, the camp’s population surged to over 500,000 due to the 2023 wave of displacement.
This latest disaster adds a new burden to the already struggling displaced people, who have been suffering the ravages of war and displacement for years.
The General Coordination Committee appealed to the international community, humanitarian organizations, and charities for immediate intervention by providing urgent shelter for the affected families, as well as food, water, healthcare, and support for the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure within the camp. They also emphasized the need to strengthen prevention and rapid response mechanisms for such disasters in the future.
The Committee stressed that a swift and effective response will contribute to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and restoring some of the lost human dignity.
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