Um Katkout/Nyala, April 14 (Darfur24)
Fires that broke out in several towns across North and South Darfur have destroyed markets and thousands of homes, causing significant material losses and displacing large numbers of residents, according to local sources and emergency rooms.
In North Darfur, a major fire in Um Katkout town in Al-Tawisha locality destroyed the market, burning 41 shops, 32 restaurants and 27 butcher stalls, in addition to the vegetable market. No casualties were reported, but residents described it as the largest fire in the town’s history, with losses estimated in the millions.
In South Darfur, a fire in Al-Toumat town in Damso locality killed one child and destroyed 24 homes, leaving families without shelter and wiping out crops and personal belongings.
Meanwhile, in Qureida locality, fires in displacement camps caused widespread devastation. In Um Baloula camp, more than 1,000 homes were destroyed and about 700 partially damaged, while a separate fire in Babanusa camp displaced at least 141 families after dozens of shelters were burned.
Residents attributed the rapid spread of the fires to strong winds, the use of flammable local building materials, and a severe lack of water and firefighting equipment.
Local communities and emergency groups have appealed for urgent humanitarian support, warning that recurring fires continue to worsen living conditions for already vulnerable and displaced populations across the region.