Flies are sweeping Port Sudan, raising health and environmental concerns among Sudanese

2023-11-28 2023-11-28T18:52:22Z

Weather of Arabia - The coastal city of Port Sudan has lost its charm that used to attract thousands, as the city is heading towards a health disaster. Due to the increasing spread of flies and mosquitoes, stagnant rains line up to turn the city into a pond, which prompted many residents, especially those who arrived after the war, to think about leaving it to escape the deteriorating environmental conditions and the spread of diseases such as dengue fever and cholera, and although it was nicknamed “Flower “The Coast” thanks to its beauty and privileged location overlooking the Red Sea coast, but Port Sudan is now facing an undesirable transformation into a polluted environment threatened by diseases.

Horrific photos reveal a bitter reality in Port Sudan

Activists on social media circulated horrific pictures showing a bakery in the city of Port Sudan, where swarms of flies covered flour dough during the baking process. This situation sparked widespread anger and sympathy from the Sudanese residents of Zahrat al-Sahel.

Regarding the horrific things that appear, Adel Muhammad Mufarreh, a young man coming from Port Sudan, points out that the reality of living in the city far exceeds the extent of the deterioration circulating on social media, as flies and mosquitoes spread abundantly day and night, which means that people may be breathing flies in large quantities. .

Adel describes horrific scenes he witnessed in the city’s markets, where flies spread in restaurants, cafeterias, and places selling vegetables and fruits. He points out the presence of stagnant water and the accumulation of dirt and waste, which indicates the threat of a health disaster. He adds:

“I faced great difficulties in finding healthy food and drink, as there is a high level of pollution. I experienced stomach disorders more than once, and in the end, I decided to pack my bags and move to Wad Medani, the capital of Gezira State, at the beginning of this week.”

It is noteworthy that Port Sudan, which became the administrative capital of Sudan after the outbreak of war in Khartoum in mid-April, witnessed significant overcrowding due to the migration of thousands of citizens fleeing the effects of the war, which led to a high rate of crowding and commercial activity in the region.

Port Sudan is suffering from catastrophic environmental deterioration... The spread of flies and diseases threatens life

Hamad Adam, a citizen of Port Sudan, says that the city used to witness an infestation of flies in November every year, but this year witnessed a significant worsening, likely resulting from population pressure and high rainfall levels. He adds:

“Asphalt roads were destroyed by torrents and rain, which led to the accumulation of waste in markets and residential neighborhoods, and the accumulation of polluted water, which increased the spread of flies and mosquitoes.”

He points out that the health authorities completely closed the central market in Port Sudan on Saturday, and implemented an insecticide spraying campaign via aircraft, which contributed to reducing the spread of flies and mosquitoes, but the situation is still at a dangerous stage.

In a situation threatening a health disaster, a medical source revealed the emergence of cases of dengue fever and cholera in Port Sudan, with the current environmental deterioration continuing, but the health authorities are keeping this information secret.

Ammar Mohammed, another citizen of Port Sudan, says:

"The situation is unbearable here in Port Sudan. We fear the spread of diseases due to the large environmental pollution in the city."

He adds:

“We are forced to stay inside mosquito nets because of the flies and mosquitoes. Even at night the situation is bad, and it gets worse when the power goes out.”

He stresses the need for strong intervention by health authorities to combat insect vectors and improve environmental degradation, warning that what is happening constitutes a threat to the urban landscape in Port Sudan, and the importance of preserving people’s lives.