“Satellite imagery reveals devastation in Sudan: A closer look at the war-related fires in el-Fasher”

Since the start of the war in Sudan, the Centre for Information Resilience has been using satellites to track major war-related fires in the country, particularly in the Darfur region. The satellite analysis conducted by researchers at Yale University has revealed the extent of the destruction in and around el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

According to the satellite imagery, the siege on el-Fasher intensified in April, with attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting residential areas along the city’s eastern edges. One resident at a displacement camp reported seeing up to 60 missiles a day in May, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.

By June 12th, the damage caused by the war covered two square kilometers, with much of it concentrated in residential areas. The RSF’s focus on the city’s southern edges suggests a targeted approach, with neighborhoods like Ashishat, home to many Zaghawa people, being particularly affected.

The Zaghawa community also resides in small villages surrounding el-Fasher, such as Ammar Jadid, which have also been targeted and destroyed by fire. Before the siege, there were around a dozen hospitals and health facilities in the city, many of which have been damaged or destroyed.

On June 23rd, the RSF targeted the only dialysis center in North Darfur, drawing condemnation from Governor Minni Minnawi, who described the attack as sentencing kidney failure patients to death. A video of the attack circulated widely online, highlighting the brutality of the conflict.

Currently, only the Saudi Hospital remains operational in el-Fasher, but it is struggling to cope with the influx of patients. More than 1 million people are estimated to have fled the city in recent months, with conditions in displacement camps like Zamzam becoming increasingly dire.

Heavy rain has caused severe flooding in the area, with an area the size of 125 football pitches underwater. This has increased the risk of diseases like cholera, while food shortages in the camp are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation in Sudan remains critical, with the conflict taking a heavy toll on the civilian population.