Landslide cause death of one thousand people in Sudan

(MENAFN) More than 1,000 people were reportedly killed when heavy rains triggered a landslide in a village located in Central Darfur, western Sudan, according to local armed groups controlling the area.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) stated that the disaster struck Tarsin village in the Marra Mountains on August 31, claiming the lives of nearly all residents. Only one person survived, the group reported, noting that the village’s famous citrus orchards were also destroyed.

The group appealed to international organizations and the United Nations for assistance in recovering the bodies buried under the landslide.

Darfur’s regional Governor, Minni Arko Minnawi, described the event as “a humanitarian tragedy that exceeds the borders of the region,” urging global humanitarian organizations “to intervene urgently to provide support and assistance at this critical moment, as the tragedy is beyond the capacity of our people.”

As of Tuesday morning, there was no official confirmation from the Sudanese government.

The SLM/A is a political and military movement active in parts of Central Darfur, an area currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The landslide occurred amid ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has reportedly resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced 14 million people since April 2023, according to reports. Research from U.S. universities, however, estimates the death toll could be as high as 130,000.

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