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EL FASHER - 5 May 2024

Fire guts over 70 homes in Khirban, North Darfur

A blaze erupted two days ago in the Khirban (A) area, located to the north of Al-Fashir city, the capital of North Darfur State. The fire ravaged numerous homes, agricultural fields, and livestock, resulting in injuries and the tragic loss of over fifteen lives. Initial estimates suggest losses amounting to approximately 60 billion Sudanese pounds.

According to Musa Ahmed Mohammed, a resident of the Khirban (A) area, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj, “The fire inflicted significant devastation, causing an estimated 60 billion Sudanese pounds in damages. Seventy-five homes were completely destroyed, with an additional thirteen partially damaged. All agricultural crops were lost, along with several livestock, and there were further losses in terms of lives and other properties.”

Additionally, Ali Abdullah Ali Ishaq, the traditional leader of the Khirban area, stated that the fire completely destroyed 75 homes and partially damaged 13 others. As a result, the affected individuals are now left without shelter, seeking refuge outdoors under trees, having lost everything including their food, homes, agricultural crops, livestock, savings, and possessions.

Furthermore, he noted, “Incidents of fires and disasters have become recurrent in the area. Just two weeks ago, a fire broke out in the nearby village of Korgi, destroying approximately 58 homes due to shelling. This resulted in injuries to 40 people and tragically claimed the lives of five children. Some are still undergoing treatment at Al-Fashir Hospital in the south. Another fire occurred in the Jambu area, completely destroying nine homes.”

With the repeated occurrence of fire incidents, the security situation has become extremely dire. The road linking the area to Al-Fashir city experiences frequent incidents of looting, robbery, and roadblocks, which persist without resolution.

The traditional leader urgently appealed to international, regional, and national organizations, as well as charitable individuals, to intervene promptly to alleviate the catastrophic situation. This is particularly critical as the affected individuals are now exposed to the scorching sun, having lost all their food and resources.