Sudan issues 'red alert' over rising floodwaters

Sudan has issued a “red alert” warning of potential floods in five provinces along the Nile River, citing rising water levels in its two main tributaries, the Blue and White Nile.

The Sudanese irrigation ministry, on Monday, urged residents in Khartoum, River Nile, White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile provinces to be cautious as floods may affect agricultural lands and houses.

Some farmers in the River Nile province were forced to quickly sell their onion crops as flooding was reported in lowland areas, which would affect farming, Shendi Now, the Associated Press reports.

The Sudanese irrigation ministry warned on Sunday that water flow has been high for four consecutive days as dams in the area discharged excess water. The water levels were expected to decrease throughout the week.

Earlier this month, the authorities said more than 21,000 families in Sudan had been affected by floods and heavy rains in 11 states across the country since June.