Tragic Landslide Buries Village in Darfur, Thousands Feared Dead

A catastrophic landslide has struck the village of Tarsin in the Central Darfur state of Sudan, resulting in fears of approximately one thousand fatalities. The disaster, triggered by severe rainfall, obliterated the village and left only a single survivor, according to reports from the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A).

Abdul Wahid Al-Nur, the leader of the SLM/A, stated that the landslide was so devastating that it completely erased the village from the landscape. The region, already plagued by conflict, now faces the dual crises of natural disaster and ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Images released by the SLM/A depict scenes of destruction, with mud and debris engulfing the once-thriving community. Luca Renda, a representative from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), expressed profound sadness over the incident and indicated that the confirmed death toll could range between 300 and 1,000 individuals.

Relief efforts are currently underway, with UNDP and humanitarian partners mobilizing to assist the affected population. However, the situation remains precarious as rescue operations struggle to progress due to challenging weather conditions and the rough terrain obstructing access to the site.

Local sources reported that rescue teams, primarily composed of residents from nearby villages, have been working tirelessly to search for survivors and recover bodies. As of Tuesday afternoon, nine bodies had been retrieved from the debris. The search for additional victims has been hampered by persistent rains and treacherous road conditions.

Many individuals among the deceased were internally displaced persons who had fled to Tarsin following the outbreak of civil conflict in 2023. The ongoing violence in Sudan, characterized by clashes between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has compounded the challenges facing the region.

In light of the disaster, Al-Nur has called for urgent assistance from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, emphasizing the need for an evacuation plan and emergency shelters for those in danger. Residents of surrounding areas are now living in fear of further landslides, should the heavy rains continue.

The Governor of Darfur, Minni Minnawi, described the events as a humanitarian tragedy with far-reaching implications, urging international humanitarian organizations to provide immediate support.

As the situation develops, the international community is being urged to respond swiftly to the needs of those affected by this devastating natural disaster amidst ongoing conflict.