A devastating landslide has tragically struck a village in Sudan’s Darfur region, resulting in the loss of an estimated 1,000 lives, as reported by a rebel group overseeing the area. The village of Tarasin in Central Darfur’s Marrah Mountains was completely decimated following heavy rainfall leading up to the incident.
The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army issued a statement revealing that the village residents, numbering over 1,000, were presumed deceased, with only one survivor accounted for. Urgent appeals have been made to the United Nations and international aid organizations for assistance in recovering the bodies from the leveled village.
Abdul Wahid Al Nour, the leader of the rebel group, emphasized the unprecedented scale of the disaster and called for international aid. The ruling Sovereign Council in Khartoum expressed condolences for the tragic loss of lives and assured the mobilization of all available resources to aid the affected area.
The UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Luca Renda, expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, with estimates suggesting a death toll ranging from 300 to 1,000 individuals. Efforts are underway to provide support to the impacted communities on the ground.
Local farmer Al-Amin Abdallah Abbas recounted the devastation in Ammo, including Tarasin, due to weeks of torrential rains. The disappearance of the village and its inhabitants was described as an unparalleled tragedy.
The remote location of the landslide-stricken village, accessible only by foot or animals, has posed challenges for recovery efforts. The Marrah Mountains, where Tarasin is situated, is a volcanic region known for its high altitude and abundant rainfall, located over 900 kilometers west of Khartoum.
This calamity unfolds amidst a backdrop of an ongoing civil war in Sudan, hindering access for humanitarian aid groups in conflict-affected regions. The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, based in the Marrah Mountains, refrains from taking sides in the conflict, as rebel groups continue to be active in various parts of the country.
The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating toll, claiming thousands of lives, displacing millions, and leading to severe food insecurity. The situation has been marked by widespread atrocities, prompting investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by international bodies.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan remains dire, with a significant portion of the population requiring urgent assistance. The recent landslide disaster adds to the challenges faced by the country, necessitating swift and comprehensive response efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
