Violence erupts in Darfur, Sudanese migrate en masse to Chad
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Escalating violence in Sudan's Darfur region prompts residents to flee Nyala into Adre in Chad.
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Smoke rises over Khartoum, Sudan, Thursday, June 8, 2023 (AP)
The city of Nyala, a major urban center in Sudan's western Darfur region, fell victim to intense artillery strikes on Monday, sending residents fleeing as violence continued to grip the conflict-torn region, AFP reported.
The unrest has escalated significantly in the restive region bordering Chad, prompting hundreds to escape paramilitary attacks that broke out in Nyala on Sunday.
Medical facilities in Nyala have been strained due to the bombardments, making access to essential services difficult.
"Despite difficulties in accessing the hospital in Nyala due to the bombardments, we received on Sunday 66 injuries and six deceased," medical personnel at a local facility told AFP.
Read more: Deputy of Sudan's sovereignty council propose road map to peace
Refugee aid falls short of needs
Refugees have sought refuge across Sudan's border with Chad since the onset of the conflict on April 15.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that over 358,000 refugees have arrived in the town of Adré, in Chad: voicing concerns over the inadequate refugee accommodations.
"Shelter and basic facilities available in the camps are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of the incoming people," MSF reported.
"[Refugees] are exposed to harsh sun and rain with insufficient food water, and even cooking supplies", said Susanna Borges, MSF's emergency coordinator in Chad.
Furthermore, MSF points out that the dire conditions of refugees compounded with the forthcoming rainy season exacerbates the risk of epidemic spreading.
Read more: Airspace closure in Sudan extended until August 15th
The ongoing conflict has pitted Sudan's army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
The conflict has so far killed at least 3,900 people, according to a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.
