Water Discovery in Darfur Could Aid in Solving Region's Humanitarian Crisis

An ancient lake discovered in Sudan's Darfur region may be a key to solving the humanitarian crisis there, according to scientists.

The underground lake was found by researchers at Boston University's Center for Remote Sensing using radar data. Farouk El-Baz, geologist and the center's director, traveled to the region last month to talk with Omar Al Bashir, the President of Sudan, about a well-drilling initiative.

"Much of the unrest in Darfur and the misery is due to water shortages," El-Baz told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

The lake, which at an area of 30,750 km² is similar to the size of Lake Erie, could provide up to 1,000 wells for the groups occupying the land. The conflict between the black farmers and Arab nomads is caused in part by a lack of sustainable habitat.

"Access to fresh water is essential for refugee survival, will help the peace process, and provides the necessary resources for the much needed economic development in Darfur," El-Baz said in a Boston University news release.

The plan, called "1,000 Wells for Darfur," has also been welcomed by the Sudanese public, according to El-Baz.

In an area of Egypt northeast of Darfur, a similar former lake covers what researchers describe as 'vast amounts' of groundwater. More than 500 wells have been drilled in this region, and irrigate up to 150,000 acres of farmland, where wheat and other crops can be grown.

Such a find could also alleviate problems in the region's refugee camps, which lack suitable water and water-dependent commodities, such as crops and medical care.

"New water resources will provide hope to the people of northwestern Sudan and will also allow for the migration of the labor force closer to the wells, where economic development is suitable and environmentally sustainable."

A spokeswoman for the United Nations' Mission in Sudan declined to comment to the Associated Press, saying she had not investigated the discovery and did not know when the water could be made available.