Catastrophic landslide in Sudan leaves hundreds dead, with over 200 being minors
In the heart of Sudan, the small village of Tarasin in the Marrah Mountains has become the latest victim of the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has plagued the country since April 2023. A devastating landslide on August 31, 2023, has claimed the lives of up to 1,000 people, including around 200 children, and left thousands more missing.
The landslide, described as "a tragedy within the tragedy" of Sudan's ongoing civil conflict, has destroyed many homes, schools, and health facilities in its wake. The event has further exacerbated the already dire situation, with an estimated 12 million people displaced and over 40,000 lives lost due to the civil war.
Relief efforts are currently underway to provide medical care, shelter, and other necessities to the survivors. Aid groups, such as the Red Cross, Caritas, and local emergency services, are working tirelessly to help those who have lost everything. Save the Children reported that 150 survivors, including 40 children, are receiving medical care.
The mountainous terrain in Tarasin is proving to be a significant challenge for the relief efforts. Access is limited, and aid groups are relying on camels and donkeys to navigate the damaged roads and reach the affected areas. Residents of Tarasin and nearby villages fear additional landslides due to the continued heavy rain, adding another layer of urgency to the relief efforts.
Many survivors are being relocated to safer areas due to the risk of additional landslides. Authorities have recovered 375 bodies from the landslide, but the search for the missing continues. The relief efforts are ongoing, with aid groups working to provide aid to those who have lost their homes, schools, and health facilities in the landslide.
This disaster in Tarasin is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The civil war continues to take a heavy toll on the people, and the relief efforts are being carried out in the context of this ongoing conflict. For those wishing to help, aid groups can typically be reached through their official hotlines or local emergency coordination centres. Let us hope that the people of Sudan find the peace and stability they so desperately need.
