UN Warns of “Absolutely Devastating” Crisis in Sudan as Famine Spreads

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has described conditions in Sudan’s capital Khartoum as “absolutely devastating,” with vast destruction and extreme hunger levels, UN website reported. WFP Emergency Coordinator Samantha Chattaraj confirmed Sudan is now the only country with officially declared famine, where half the population faces acute hunger, including 5 million malnourished children and mothers.

Despite reaching 4 million people with aid in March—the highest since the conflict began two years ago—Chattaraj warned 27 regions remain in famine or high-risk zones. In Darfur, 450,000 displaced persons fled escalating violence around El Fasher and Zamzam camps, with WFP racing to pre-position food before June’s rains cut off access routes.

The agency plans emergency aid for 1 million in Khartoum ahead of expected returnee waves but stresses urgent funding and safe access are needed, particularly for 100,000 trapped in besieged El Fasher. Mobile warehouses are being deployed to sustain operations during the rainy season in what the UN calls the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.