Massive Landslide Wipes Out Village in Sudan, Over 1,000 Feared Dead
A devastating landslide in Sudan's Darfur region has completely wiped out the village of Tarasin, killing at least 1,000 people. The disaster occurred on Sunday in the Marrah Mountains following days of heavy rainfall. According to the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, which controls the area, only one person is believed to have survived. The group has issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations and international aid organisations for assistance in recovering the bodies from the leveled village.
Unpacked:
Sudan is facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, largely due to a brutal civil war now in its third year. Over half the population faces crisis levels of hunger, famine is declared in parts of Darfur, and more than 14 million people are internally displaced or affected by the conflict.
Aid operations in Darfur are severely restricted by ongoing heavy fighting between Sudan’s army, the Rapid Support Forces, rebel groups, and militias. Insecurity, blockades, and damaged infrastructure make it difficult for humanitarian organizations to access affected areas and deliver assistance.
While seasonal floods and landslides occur in Sudan, this event is among the deadliest natural disasters in the country’s recent history. Hundreds die annually in seasonal disasters, but landslides of this scale in the Marrah Mountains are rare and particularly devastating.
The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army (SLM/A) is a rebel group that controls parts of the Marrah Mountains in Darfur. They have fought against Sudan’s government and other factions for years, seeking greater autonomy for Darfur and protection for its people amid the ongoing civil conflict.