As the civil conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, the Sudanese community in Australia have expressed fears over their loved ones' safety.
The ongoing clash between the Sudanese army and paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces has claimed the lives of over 400 civilians since April 15.
Despite a 72-hour truce initiated on Tuesday, concerns have persisted over depleting food, medical and water supplies in the north-east African country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is aware of at least 158 Australians and their family members who are registered as being Sudan at this time.
However, Australia does not have an embassy in Sudan, and cannot provide extensive consular services due to the volatile and dangerous situation still unfolding.
Sudanese Australians are calling on the Albanese government to not only help those stranded overseas return home, but to intervene in the power struggle and provide more humanitarian support for those left behind.
Separated by 10,000 kilometres
"We have been living in hell since the events of this month," said Marwa Abdalla, from the country's capital, Khartoum.
The Perth woman told ABC News it's been jarring hearing the constant shooting surrounding them.
Four days ago, a bullet flew into a wall in her family home.
"The situation is very hard. We don't have water or any electricity and all the small shops around us are closed," she said.
Ms Abdalla flew to Sudan for her sister's wedding – which has since been cancelled – and is now stranded in the neighbourhood Jabra with her parents, siblings and 9-month-old child Samel.
She said her family are now down to one meal a day without access to fresh produce and are running out of food and water.
Her son recently came down with a fever, but the mother wasn't able to take him to hospital to get him checked out.
Those trapped in conflict-heavy areas are forced to stay indoors.
"It is very unfortunate that we're living this," she said. "We are hoping to get out but we are also very afraid for those we're going to leave behind."
Over 10,000 kilometres away in Perth, her husband Khalid Hassan watches on in despair.
He told ABC News from his Brabham home that he feels helpless that he can't do more for his extended family.
"It's been really terrible. I barely sleep. I'm always watching the news or talking to them," he said.
Mr Hassan would like to see Australia broker a ceasefire and help stop the fighting so he can get Ms Abdalla and Samel home.
"Any day that passes puts enormous dangerous on those people's lives," he said.
"I don't think just evacuating Australians from there is enough. All people need to work to stop this war because it's just crazy."
A never-ending uncertainty
Bakri Gabir's wife is also currently stranded in Sudan.
The Sydney couple had taken their children to visit family, stopping first in Egypt before crossing south into Sudan.
They had staggered their return back, with their kids flying first, followed by Mr Gabir. Mona Mohamed was meant to be joining them in their Belmore home in late April.
"As we all know, the war broke out and now she can't leave as a result of that," he told ABC News. He said the situation overseas has gone from bad, to worse.
"Everyday the clashes are escalating in the capital. She's still living there," he said. "They're confined inside the house, they can't leave at all."
The uncertainty continues to weigh on Ms Mohamed's mind.
Mr Gabir said she's voiced fears that she may never see her husband again or be reunited with her children back home.
It's also proven hard for Mr Gabir to keep in regular contact with his wife due to unstable electricity and internet connectivity.
"Whenever we manage to speak to her, she's expressed feelings of worry, anger, upset, and asking us if we can do anything to get her out of the country."
He's since tried to get in contact with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Australian consulate in Cairo, with limited results.
After seeing foreign governments make moves to evacuate diplomats, staff and citizens back to their home countries, Mr Gabir feels there is not a clear enough plan to evacuate Australians currently stranded in Sudan.
"We are asking why is the Australian government not doing enough to help people like ourselves get out of the war zone area."
'Cease hostilities and prevent further needless bloodshed'
A DFAT spokesperson told ABC News that the federal government is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Sudan.
"A small number of Australians have departed Sudan and we are in contact with those remaining who are registered with us," they said. "Our immediate priority is their safety."
The Department is urging Australians in Sudan to follow changing advice on Smartraveller, especially when attempting to leave risky environments.
In the interim, DFAT has deployed consular officers to the country.
"Australia is working closely with other countries and partners to facilitate the departure of Australian citizens and their families from Sudan," said the spokesperson.
"We call on all parties to cease hostilities and prevent further needless bloodshed."
Those in need of assistance are urged to contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre 1300 555 135 (within Australia) and +612 6261 3305 (from overseas).
