Heavy rainfall and flooding cause damage in Sahrawi refugee camps, rescue and aid efforts ongoing and still needed

Since the end of August, the Sahrawi refugee camps have experienced unprecedented heavy and scattered rainfall, with conditions worsening in recent days. This has caused severe damage to infrastructure, particularly in the Wilaya of Dakhla, which has been the hardest hit.

The torrential rain and flooding on September 22 and 23, caused significant damage to fragile tents and mud-brick homes, forcing approximately 350 families so far to flee to safer areas outside their homes, according to a Press Release from the Sahrawi Red Crescent today.

Civil protection teams and the Sahrawi emergency committee have been present in Dakhla for several days now, working to pump water out of homes and public spaces and clear the damaged roads. T

he Sahrawi Red Crescent confirmed major losses to homes and public buildings, including schools and the regional hospital.

Support and Intervention from National and Algerian Authorities

In a swift response to the crisis, the Sahrawi authorities and the Red Crescent enhanced the ability of Sahrawi citizens in Dakhla to cope with the situation. They supplied essential goods such as bread and milk and distributed tents to shelter the affected families. Ambulances, along with a fleet of trucks and heavy equipment from Sahrawi state institutions, have been deployed to rescue those impacted by the floods.

Additionally, Algerian authorities have sent a significant civilian and military delegation, headed by the governor of the Tindouf province, accompanied by officials from the Algerian People’s Army and civil protection. They brought equipment to help pump water from public spaces and homes and to clear roads.

Meanwhile, the Sahrawi news agency reported that a high-level delegation, led by President Brahim Ghali, has been visiting Dakhla for at least two days to closely assess the damage. The delegation includes senior officials such as the Ministers of Interior, Education and Vocational Training, and representatives from the Sahrawi Red Crescent.

Interior Ministry Declares Dakhla a Disaster Area

The Sahrawi Ministry of Interior declared the Wilaya of Dakhla a disaster area due to ongoing floods, in an official statement issued Monday. The measures taken include suspending work and education in local and regional institutions for one week, while essential services remain operational. Residents were also warned to stay away from fragile homes, water pools, and electrical wires.

In addition, to strengthen rescue efforts, units of the Sahrawi People’s Liberation Army intervened to provide humanitarian assistance to affected citizens, utilizing all necessary human and material resources. The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the army remains on high alert for rapid response whenever needed.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Health has established a field hospital in Dakhla to provide urgent medical care to those affected. The hospital is equipped with essential medicines and medical supplies, with a comprehensive medical team ensuring the care of all patients, especially in the most affected districts such as Al-Aarqub, Jrayfiya, and Umm Dreiga.

In conclusion, despite the difficult circumstances the province is facing, humanitarian efforts and solidarity between citizens and national and Algerian authorities continue to ensure the provision of support and relief to those affected by this natural disaster.

Meanwhile, the Sahrawi Red Crescent has issued an appeal to all relevant continental and international bodies to provide the necessary aid to address this disaster, which is still likely to worsen as the region enters the rainy season with more rainfall expected.

At the same time, a delegation from United Nations agencies and NGOs has arrived in the province to assess the damage, but more actions and aid are still needed.