Port Sudan Faces Dire Crisis After Week of Devastating Attacks

Following a week of intense drone attacks, Port Sudan has plunged into chaos, struggling with skyrocketing water prices and prolonged blackouts. The once safe haven is now a center of desperation for thousands of displaced individuals seeking refuge from war in Sudan, as aid deliveries become increasingly jeopardized.

Port Sudan is reeling after enduring a week of relentless drone attacks from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, resulting in alarming shortages of essential resources like water and electricity. In the aftermath of the bombings, which targeted crucial fuel depots, thick black smoke now envelops the city, highlighting the ongoing crisis.

The financial strain on locals has skyrocketed, with water prices increasing by five times — from 2,000 Sudanese pounds ($3.30; £2.50) to 10,000 pounds. Many residents have been forced to rely on expensive water vendors for basic needs like cooking and bathing. Mutasim, a 26-year-old who fled from Omdurman, expressed concerns about affording this essential commodity as his family's income, derived from market trading, dwindles.

Daily life remains challenging in Port Sudan as residents experience massive fuel shortages. The desperation is palpable, with cars crowding petrol stations, and residents like Mutasim lament spending hours waiting to fill their tanks. The city, previously viewed as a sanctuary amidst Sudan's wider civil war, has faced a dismal turn, pushing families to consider fleeing once again, despite the financial burdens of relocation.

In addition to water scarcity, Port Sudan has been experiencing significant blackouts, making conditions unbearable during the sweltering heat. Mutasim's elderly aunt suffers greatly from the lack of electricity, as fans are rendered useless.

Hawa Mustafa, a teacher and displaced person from el-Geneina in Darfur, has faced a resurgence of fear due to the RSF's recent drone strikes. She, like many others, is grappling with uncertainty about where to turn if the situation worsens.

The humanitarian implications of the attacks loom large, as Port Sudan has served as a vital distribution hub for aid, critical in a nation facing extreme shortages. Leni Kinzli, from the World Food Programme, indicated that up to 20,000 metric tonnes of food have been distributed through the city, vital for those facing famine across Sudan. However, the ongoing conflict threatens to disrupt these supply lines, placing additional strain on an already dire situation.

As night falls, the city grows eerily silent, with residents choosing safety over social gatherings that once included coastal outings and community games. The desperation in Port Sudan signals a potential escalation in the humanitarian crisis, leaving many unsure of what tomorrow holds.