Farchana, October 11 (Darfur 24)
Sudanese refugees in the Farchana camp in eastern Chad are facing a severe clean water crisis, exacerbating their suffering years after being displaced by conflict between 2003 and 2023.
The refugees report a drastic shortage of drinking water, with existing supplies limited and unable to meet the needs of thousands of people.
Hassan Adam, a refugee, told Darfur24 that many families have already left the camp for nearby areas, including Adré, in search of water. He added that refugees have repeatedly informed the authorities of the crisis, but the response has been minimal.
Another refugee, Hawa Omar, described the water shortage as one of the most urgent challenges in the camp. She said she is considering leaving after her children suffered frequent illnesses due to contaminated water.
According to Darfur24’s monitoring, the price of a barrel of water has risen to about 20,000 Sudanese pounds—far beyond what most families can afford.
The shortage forces refugees to spend long hours queuing at distribution points each day, preventing them from working or caring for their families.
In desperation, many residents resort to shallow traditional wells, despite the water being unsafe for drinking. This has contributed to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and schistosomiasis.
Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women, are bearing the brunt of the crisis, as overcrowding and long lines make it even more difficult to access their daily water rations.