AFRICA/SUDAN - Hunger and cold temperatures continue to cause deaths in North Darfur

Darkoro (Agenzia Fides) - The weather conditions worsen the already precarious living conditions of the population of North Darfur. Several people have died from hunger and intense cold in East Jebel Marra region, nearby Khazan Tunjar. Schools in Sudanese states have applied a special schedule for the children to deal better with the cold wave. A witness from the area told Radio Dabanga that six people, including two children, died in Darkoro. These villagers had fled from the insecurity. Others remained in Darkoro with their livestock, without any food or water sources. In Wadi Oshara, four children also died from severe cold and hunger.
A witness appealed to the organisations for displaced people and refugees to immediately move to aid the displaced in Darfur camps, and provide blankets, shelter and food for them as soon as possible. The spokesman for the Darfur Displaced and Refugees Association, stressed that the displaced population in Darfur reported that the thousands of newly displaced people who have fled East Jebel Marra and Tawila to get to Zamzam camp live out in the open with no cover or warm clothing. The Northern Sudan has closed all its schools. Primary and secondary schools in Khartoum and El Gezira state do not start until 10 am, when the cold has drawn off. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 14/01/2015)