The Sudanese Health Ministry denied rumors of a cholera outbreak in areas near the border with South Sudan.

In a statement to the press, the ministry said they have already established disease surveillance posts to test refugees fleeing into South Kordofan and White Nile states.

The ministry said South Sudanese refugees who were living in Kilo Ashara area in White Nile were relocated to an alternative site due to shortages of basic services, saying they have been provided with enough aid for three months in coordination with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society.

A cholera outbreak in South Sudan has affected over 1700 people, killing at least 37, mostly in the capital Juba.

Eviction of refugees in Khartoum

In Khartoum, local authorities reportedly gave ten days for South Sudanese nationals encamped at Azuzab and Shejera residential areas south of the capital city to relocate to new camps 45 kilometers outside the capital.

Khartoum State Governor Dr. Abdurrahman El Khidir announced the establishment of the new camps after consulting with the speaker of the state legislative assembly El Fateh Izz al-Din.

The Khartoum Locality Commissioner said the decision was taken following complaints by local residents over disagreements with refugees and alleged environmental pollution in the two areas.

Photo: Travelers at Regifi in the Moro Hills, South Kordofan State, 13 March 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)