Sudan humanitarian crisis escalates as water runs out

Refugees in South Sudan will be without water in about one week according to the aid agency, Doctors Without Borders. Despite this, refugees continue to enter the camps looking for an escape from escalating violence in the region. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a United Nations Humanitarian Bulletin, the situation in the region was reportedly calm over the last week, but humanitarian organizations are "overstretched."

In the meantime, the African Union is working to mediate a political solution between Sudan and South Sudan via talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

As many as 120,000 people are currently relocating away from violence that has routinely targeted civilians as the two states clash across the border in an effort to claim towns and resources they each believe are theirs. Both sides also accuse the other of starting clashes by supporting rebels across their respective border. 

The high numbers of refugees means the supplies initially laid in by humanitarian organizations will not last beyond the next week with water being the most critical resource in short supply. 

Currently, aid workers are rationing water and other supplies to buy as much time as possible. In the meantime, aid organizations are looking at relocation options as well as the possibility of conducting emergency drilling for water in the notoriously dry region. 

Complicating the problem is local infrastructure which is in serious disrepair. Roads are virtually impassable in many regions and aid convoys are having difficulty in getting through. 

The UN is calling upon all those involved in the situation, in any way, to step up efforts to end the conflict and meet the short-term needs of the refugees. 

While the world waits for political and humanitarian intervention to have an impact in the region, salvation may come from the skies above. The local rainy season is near and timely rains, if they come, will do much to ease the crisis there. 

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