181 persons from Karnataka stuck in Sudan amid shortage of food, water

One of them told The Hindu, “We belong to places in Davangere, Shivamogga and Mysuru, and our group includes women and children. We were not able to go out due to continuous gunfire and shelling. A local police officer is now with us. He told us to vacate this area since there is the possibility of more attacks.”

Bengaluru

As Sudan continues to witness large-scale violence, at least 181 persons from Karnataka are stuck in the African country.

S. Prabhu from Davangere and his wife have been stuck in the city of El-Fasher for the last 10 days. The 36-year-old man is from a Hakki Pikki tribe. He has been in Sudan for the last 10 months to sell ayurvedic products, which are in huge demand in the African country.

When contacted over phone, Mr Prabhu told The Hindu, ”We are here with 31 other persons, living in a rented house. Two days ago, we heard firing outside. The building was damaged and a bullet made a hole in a wall during the crossfire.

“We belong to places in Davangere, Shivamogga and Mysuru, and our group includes women and children. We were not able to go out due to continuous gunfire and shelling. A local police officer is now with us. He told us to vacate this area since there is the possibility of more attacks.”

The 31 Kannadigas have had no access to food or drinking water for four days until April 16 when Mr. Prabhu managed to get some ration when one shop in the locality opened for some time.

Manoj Rajan, Commissioner for Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the safety of people from Karnataka in Sudan.