A catastrophic landslide has completely destroyed Tarasin Village in Sudan’s Central Darfur, killing at least 1,000 people and leaving only one survivor, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM-A). The incident, caused by days of torrential rainfall in late August, has leveled the village to the ground. The SLM-A, which controls the area, reported that the death toll is likely over 1,000, with no confirmed bodies recovered yet due to restricted access. The disaster has prompted calls for international aid and assistance in recovering bodies and responding to the crisis.
Darfur’s governor, Minni Minnawi, called the landslide a ‘humanitarian tragedy,’ emphasizing the dire need for support. The SLM-A is urging the U.N. and international aid agencies to assist in recovery efforts and provide resources to the affected region. The group highlighted that the tragedy has drawn global attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been plagued by conflict and instability for years.
Earlier reports from the BBC indicate that many residents from North Darfur state sought refuge in Tarasin Village after being forcibly displaced by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict in the region has led to significant displacement, with many communities forced to relocate due to violence and instability. This recent disaster raises concerns about the vulnerability of displaced populations and the effectiveness of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
With no confirmed bodies recovered yet, the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue. The international community is being urged to provide emergency aid, including medical supplies, shelter, and food, to support the affected families. The situation underscores the urgency of addressing the broader issues of climate change, conflict, and poor infrastructure in the region, which have contributed to the disaster’s scale and impact.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, the focus remains on ensuring that aid reaches the affected communities and that the international community takes responsibility for supporting relief efforts. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Sudan and the need for sustained international engagement to address the crisis in the region.