Kalma, March 02 (Darfur24)
A massive fire tore through Kalma Camp in South Darfur State on Sunday, destroying approximately 1,000 homes and leaving thousands of displaced families without shelter, according to the General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees.
Adam Rijal, the Coordination’s spokesperson, said a woman with special needs sustained critical injuries and was transferred to Nyala Hospital for treatment.
In a statement obtained by Darfur24, Rijal said the fire broke out in “Center 1” of the camp at around 10:00 a.m. and continued until 1:00 p.m., causing widespread destruction in an area already facing severe humanitarian hardship.
He explained that the blaze originated in a single house but spread rapidly due to the narrow pathways and densely built structures, resulting in significant losses to homes, stored crops, and personal belongings.
Rijal said large quantities of food supplies were burned and many families lost their essential possessions, describing the incident as a new humanitarian burden on displaced communities who have endured years of conflict and repeated displacement.
He called on the international community, humanitarian organizations, and charities to provide urgent assistance, food, water, and healthcare to affected families, as well as support reconstruction efforts and strengthen fire prevention and rapid response mechanisms.
During the winter season, areas across Darfur and Kordofan frequently experience fires, driven by strong winds and the widespread use of highly flammable local materials such as straw in shelter construction.
Kalma camp is the largest displacement camp in Darfur, hosting more than 300,000 people. Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, the camp has received additional waves of displaced families, bringing the population to more than 500,000, according to the Coordination.