270 killed in Sudanese violence –WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said the violence that broke out in Sudan on Saturday had claimed 270 lives while about 2,600 people had been injured.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said the violence that broke out in Sudan on Saturday had claimed 270 lives while about 2,600 people had been injured.

The WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this at a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.

Violence had broken out in Sudan over the weekend between the nation’s two top generals, trapping millions of people.

The Sudanese capital shook Tuesday night under gunfire on the fourth day of a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces still indifferent to calls for a cease-fire after heavy fighting.

Ghebreyesus said, “Tragically, three workers from the World Food Programme have also been killed. I condemn all loss of life and we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sudan. The heaviest fighting is currently in Khartoum.

 “The supplies that the WHO distributed to health facilities, prior to this recent escalation of conflict, are now exhausted. Hospitals in Khartoum receiving injured civilians are reporting shortages of medical personnel and life-saving medical supplies.

“Fuel shortages for hospital generators, as well as water and power cuts, are also reportedly affecting the functionality of health facilities.”

The majority of the population is confined to their homes without electricity or running water, and their food stocks are dwindling since the political conflict between the two generals degenerated into a pitched battle on Saturday.