• Efforts underway in southern Egypt governorate to help those fleeing war

Mohamed Al Shamaa

CAIRO: Egyptians, Sudanese natives and people of other nationalities who have been caught up in the conflict in Sudan are being provided with assistance in southern Egypt’s Aswan governorate, which borders the war-torn country.

Aswan Governor Major General Ashraf Attia said relief efforts were underway in coordination with civil society institutions, NGOs, the Ministry of Transport, the Railways Authority, and security agencies. Buses and rail services are being provided throughout the day.

“The concerned authorities have been assigned to prepare and provide support in the ‘international land position’ in the Karkar region for the efforts of the Egyptian state to contain the repercussions of the current events in Sudan,” he said. Passengers fleeing Sudan disembark in the Karkar region.

Sayed Abdel-Motal, one of the coordinators of civil society organizations in Aswan, told Arab News that the Aswan governorate was making a remarkable effort to aid those fleeing the war.

He added that authorities and civil institutions were coordinating with traffic officials to prevent any attempts to exploit expatriates in the Karkar parking lot near the Egyptian city of Aswan, and said that a fully-equipped kitchen, eight shops, a cafeteria, a restaurant and a 2,000-liter tank of iced water have all been set up to cater to the needs of people of all nationalities. Food is available at reduced prices to prevent financial exploitation, according to local officials.

Abdel-Motal also said that health officials in the governorate had been assigned to provide mobile clinics in the Karkar region. Medical teams have been carrying out sterilization procedures in the parking lot to protect people from diseases including malaria.

Mohammed Suleiman, an Aswan-based journalist, told Arab News that the community in Aswan has been heavily involved in the relief effort too, providing a variety of services near the border crossing, including providing information to those arriving from Sudan, medical services, and psychological support, facilitated by groups fluent in five languages.

The Aswan governorate’s statement emphasized the logistical support being provided, including potable water, sanitary accommodation, and toilets.

The relief effort is being carried out in coordination with the Red Crescent Society, which has provided six ambulances and a fire engine.