Sudan issues red alert over Nile flood risks amid dam tensions

Sudan has issued a red alert warning of potential floods in five provinces along the Nile River, due to rising water levels in the Blue and White Nile tributaries. The Sudanese irrigation ministry urged residents in Khartoum, River Nile, White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile provinces to exercise caution as flooding threatens agricultural lands and homes, with some farmers already forced to sell crops early. The increased water flow follows the recent inauguration of Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which, despite its economic benefits, has contributed to flood risks due to mismanagement and turbine failures preventing gradual water release. Experts like Professor Abbas Sharaky note that the dam was not emptied gradually during Ethiopia's rainy season, exacerbating the flood situation as excess water was discharged into Sudan. The flooding compounds existing hardships in Sudan, which is simultaneously dealing with ongoing conflict and displacement. Regional tensions remain high, with Egypt criticizing Ethiopia's dam operations, while Ethiopian officials argue that GERD helps mitigate flooding by storing rainwater.