Catastrophic Landslide Decimates Village in Darfur, Nearly 1,000 Perish

In a devastating event over the weekend, an enormous landslide struck a village in Sudan’s Darfur, reportedly claiming the lives of nearly 1,000 villagers, according to the rebel faction controlling the district.

The calamitous incident occurred on Sunday at Tarasin village nestled in the Marrah Mountains, Central Darfur. It came after a spell of torrential rains persisting through late August, as noted in a statement by the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army.

Initial reports suggest that virtually all residents perished in this disaster, with survival seemingly limited to a single individual, per the group's statement.

The entire village has been razed to the ground, prompting calls to the United Nations and global humanitarian organizations for assistance in retrieving the deceased.

Footage Reveals Extensive Damage

Visuals shared by the regional news platform show extensive destruction — a flat expanse flanked by mountains where hopeful search efforts are underway.

This natural disaster ranks among the deadliest in Sudan's current history. The nation frequently suffers casualties during the rainy season due to flooding.

Broader Conflict in Sudan Exacerbates Challenges

The catastrophe unfolds against a backdrop of severe internal conflict in Sudan, sparked in April 2023 by violent clashes between the military and Rapid Support Forces across the capital, Khartoum, and beyond.

Due to ongoing hostilities between Sudan’s armed forces and rebel factions, including those in the Marrah Mountains, access for the UN and relief agencies remains severely restricted.

Calls for Humanitarian Aid

Minni Minnawi, the government-affiliated governor of Darfur, labelled the landslide a 'humanitarian crisis surpassing regional boundaries.' He urged international bodies to provide urgent aid, stressing that this disaster is beyond what the local populace can endure alone.

The Marrah Mountains, extending over 100 miles southwest of el-Fasher—a nucleus of military skirmishes—now serve as a refuge for displaced families.

Ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 fatalities, with more than 14 million people forced from their homes, as many grapple with famine, resorting to extreme measures to survive.

A Region Plagued by Atrocities

According to the United Nations and human rights entities, the area is marked by severe violations, including targeted ethnic violence and sexual assaults. The International Criminal Court is currently pursuing investigations into alleged war crimes.

Tarasin village, positioned high within the central Marrah Mountains, known for their cooler climate and higher precipitation than other regions, is one of many parts of Sudan facing immense humanitarian challenges as it lies 560 miles from Khartoum.