Thunderstorms destroy homes in Zalingei camps

Heavy rains destroyed more than 200 homes in Zalingei camps for displaced people on Monday night. A camp coordinator told Radio Dabanga that the thunderstorms lasted for over six hours and destroyed 263 homes in Zalingei camp, along with 50 in Hamidiya camp, around 53 in Khamsa Dagaig camp, 37 in Hassa camp and 23 in Tayba camp. He said they are still working to assess the final levels of damage. He said the rain also wiped out some food stores. The coordinator appealed to humanitarian organisations to provide relief to the camp residents, with materials such as blankets, mattresses and plastic sheeting along with materials to rebuild the homes. He also called for the World Food Programme to provide assistance.