Cyclone Ditwah brings worst flooding in decades to Sri Lanka, killing hundreds

According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, 998,918 people across all 25 districts have now been affected, with 212 deaths reported and 218 people missing. More than 180,000 people from over 51,000 families are sheltering in 1,094 government-run safety centres as search and rescue efforts continue. Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on 28 November before […]

Sudan: Hundreds feared dead in Darfur landslide

Sudan: Hundreds feared dead in Darfur landslide

Up to 1,000 people are feared dead in the tragedy, which occurred on Sunday in Tarsin village, located in the Jebel Marra range on the border of Central and South Darfur states. The landslide was triggered by days of heavy rain. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the […]

Syria crisis: Hundreds killed in ongoing violence, hospitals overwhelmed

Syria crisis: Hundreds killed in ongoing violence, hospitals overwhelmed

Briefing reporters in Geneva, UN human rights office, OHCHR, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani highlighted “credible” reports of “widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes” in the city of Sweida. “Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the […]

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans forced back into danger, says UNHCR

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans forced back into danger, says UNHCR

According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), over 250,000 Afghans returned in April alone – among them, 96,000 who were forcibly deported. The agency voiced particular alarm over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing repression under Taliban rule. The large-scale returns are putting even greater pressure on already stretched humanitarian resources and […]

Hundreds killed in Sudan’s camps for displaced people

Hundreds killed in Sudan’s camps for displaced people

Violent clashes between armed militias and forces of the military Government have escalated dramatically across North Darfur in recent weeks as Sudan marked two years of civil war. The El Fasher and Zamzam camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were forced to flee their homes because of the conflict, were disproportionately affected. “The bombs were […]