September 10, Nairobi — About half a million people have been affected by heavy rains and flooding since late June, with North Darfur State hardest hit, the United Nations said on Monday. South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile and Northern states have also been impacted.

The flooding is worsening an “already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan,” the UN said. Over 172,000 have been displaced and many have been killed and injured.

The risk of diseases spreading has also been heightened by the rains, with nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases reported since the start of mid-August.

“Despite the flooding, the UN and partners on the ground are doing everything they can to reach people with assistance,” the statement said.