Deadly Landslide in Sudan Devastates a Village, Claims Over 1,000 Lives
A catastrophic landslide in Sudan's Darfur region has resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives, making it one of the most devastating natural calamities in the nation's recent history. The tragic event occurred in the village of Tarasin located in the Marrah Mountains of Central Darfur, following days of heavy rainfall.
The landslide left the village in ruins, with only one survivor. The severity of the disaster is beyond comprehension, according to a prominent rebel group leader who appealed for international aid.
Desperate Appeal for International Aid
The rebel group leader pleaded for global assistance, stating that the scale of the disaster was too daunting to describe. He emphasized the need for aid agencies to help recover the bodies and support the survivors.
The country's governing council, stationed in Khartoum, expressed their sorrow over the loss of hundreds of innocent lives. They assured that every possible resource has been mobilized to assist those affected by the disaster.
Video footage circulated on social media illustrated the extent of the damage, showing a flattened landscape between mountain ranges with rescuers scouring the area.
Unprecedented Catastrophe
A local farmer from a neighboring village group that includes Tarasin, shared his account of the disaster. He noted that the area had experienced weeks of heavy rainfall, with Tarasin being the worst affected. He shared the harrowing reality that the entire village and its inhabitants had been wiped out, labeling it an unprecedented catastrophe.
A spokesperson for the rebel group confirmed the isolated location of the village, accessible only by foot or on the back of a donkey.
Tarasin: A Remote Village in the Marrah Mountains
Tarasin is nestled in the central Marrah Mountains, a volcanic region standing over 9,840 feet tall at its peak. This world heritage site is known for its cooler temperatures and higher rainfall compared to surrounding areas. It's situated more than 560 miles west of Sudan's capital, Khartoum.
The Frequency of Natural Disasters in Sudan
The recent landslide ranks among the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan's history. During the annual rains that span July to October, hundreds of lives are lost each year. Last year, heavy rainfall led to a dam collapse in the eastern Red Sea Province, resulting in at least 30 deaths.
This tragedy unfolds amidst a brutal civil war that has engulfed Sudan, due to escalating tensions between the country's military and paramilitary forces.
The Challenge of Aid Assistance
The war-torn region of Darfur has become increasingly inaccessible for aid groups, due to the ongoing conflict and severe restrictions. A warning issued by an international aid organization noted that numerous communities, including those in the Marrah Mountains, have been isolated for over two years, creating a significant gap in the humanitarian response.
The rebel group, headquartered in the Marrah Mountains, remains neutral in the ongoing war. The group is among several active rebel factions in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to the deaths of over 40,000 people and displaced more than 14 million. Famine has swept across parts of the country, driving some families to consume grass in a desperate bid for survival. The conflict has been punctuated by horrific atrocities, including ethnically driven violence and sexual assault.
These alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity are currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court.