Billy Samuel grew up near Khartoum. Photo: Hege Opseth, NCA/ACT

Sudan is one of the most vulnerable and disaster-prone countries in Africa. In addition to civil conflict, most notably at this time in Darfur, Sudan has been affected by both drought and floods in recent years. Heavy rains at the start of this year’s rainy season for the region caused many rivers to overflow their banks.

Especially hard hit has been the city of Aroma in the Kassala state in the east, where the Gash River, fed by waters from the Ethiopian plateau, flooded. In a city of about 25,000 people, 7,000 homes have been destroyed.

Daniel Hamad, of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, says, “This is the right time to be there, to give out food, clothes, Bibles, and encourage the frustrated people. To tell them there is still eternal hope and security.”

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has provided $20,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church to assist displaced families with immediate assistance. Funds will be used to provide wheat, white beans, lentils, milk, oil and clothing.

Hamad asks for our prayers for the city.