Islamic Relief is making contact with hospitals in Sudan amid a restive ceasefire. The country has been shaken by 11 days of violence after fighting began on April 15, forcing civilians to shelter indoors for their own safety.
As food and water supplies ran low, a 3-day ceasefire was announced on Monday night, however several international news outlets have reported sporadic gunfire today. There is concern that violence may intensify now Eid is over.
Islamic Relief is contacting hospitals to gauge their needs and offer supplies and support.
More than 400 people have been reported killed and thousands more injured since fighting broke out. However, the number of actual casualties is expected to be much higher as communication infrastructure has been severely impacted.
At least 5 humanitarian workers are among the dead and humanitarian aid offices have been attacked and looted.
It is hoped that the ceasefire will allow for humanitarian aid to get through to those in need, as well as for evacuations to continue safely.
Diplomats and foreign nationals have poured out of Sudan in recent days amid extremely dangerous conditions, while locals have taken their lives in their hands to flee the capital, Khartoum, for villages or neighbouring Egypt and Chad.
A desperate situation
Prior to the current ceasefire, fighting in residential streets trapped families in their homes and shuttered businesses. Power and water supplies have been severely disrupted and internet connectivity was almost non-existent over the weekend, according to Netblocks, an organisation monitoring internet censorship.
The fighting had surrounded hospitals, cutting the injured off from desperately needed medical care, with the World Health Organization reporting that at least 16 hospitals were unable to function due to attacks.