By Voon Miaw Ping
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The Malaysian Embassy in Sudan is on high alert as the country has been hit by devastating floods said to be worst in over hundred years.
The embassy said it has been taking the necessary measures and monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of Malaysians living there.
The embassy, in an email reply to Bernama on Friday, said no Malaysians have been directly impacted by the floods to date.
However, it said the embassy will continue to monitor any arising issues from the prolonged flooding such as water-borne diseases like cholera.
The embassy has also advised Malaysians living in the country to stock up on food and water, as well as to always maintain good hygiene and consuming food that is properly cooked and prepared.
“In case, the situation worsens, all Malaysians are aware of our contingency plan.
“The embassy has direct contact with representatives of the Malaysian communities and we have a good line of communication that both sides continually report the latest developments to each other,” it said.
The embassy also urged Malaysians living in Sudan to keep vigilant and always listen to updates by local authorities as well as taking all preventive measures to ensure their safety.
Although flooding in Sudan is an annual occurrence, heavy seasonal rain in August this year had caused water level at the Nile River to overflow, inundating areas and settlements.
At least 100 people were killed and 46 injured by the floods while over half a million victims were affected by the disaster.
More than 100,000 homes and properties were also reportedly damaged by the floods.
On Sept 5, Sudan’s Security and Defence Council declared a nationwide three-month state of emergency due to the floods.
According to the embassy’s record, there are only 34 Malaysians in Sudan as of now, comprising 12 embassy staff and their family, 12 professionals and their family, and 10 students.
All 33 of them are residing in Khartoum, while one is living in Darfur.
“Currently, we have not many Malaysians in Sudan as most had returned to Malaysia when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height in Sudan and universities and schools were closed.
“Should you find yourself in a critical situation during the flood season, please contact us immediately so as to enable us to assist you,” it said.
Malaysians living in Sudan who need assistance can contact the embassy around the clock through our Duty Officer either at +249-922799101 and/or e-mail at mwkhartoum@kln.gov.my / krt.consular@kln.gov.my.
— NNN-BERNAMA
