A massive landslide struck the village of Tarasin in Sudan’s Darfur region, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army. This catastrophic event is reported to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan’s recent history. The landslide occurred on August 27, 2023, following several days of heavy rainfall, which weakened the area’s terrain and contributed to the disaster.
The rebel group controlling the region stated that “initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived.” This tragic loss highlights the vulnerability of communities in the area, particularly as Tarasin village was reportedly “completely leveled to the ground.” In light of the overwhelming destruction, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army has appealed for assistance from the U.N. and international aid organizations to help recover the bodies of the victims.
Humanitarian Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict
This disaster unfolds against the backdrop of a devastating civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 due to escalating tensions between the country’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has severely restricted access for humanitarian organizations, making it increasingly difficult for aid to reach affected communities, including those in the Marrah Mountains. This mountainous region, which extends for approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) southwest of el-Fasher, has become a refuge for many displaced families fleeing violence.
The Marrah Mountains have faced extensive fighting, leading to crippling restrictions that have left much of the area inaccessible to the U.N. and various aid groups. As the conflict continues to disrupt daily life, the repercussions of natural disasters like the recent landslide are exacerbated by ongoing humanitarian crises.
According to reports, hundreds of individuals succumb to seasonal rains and flooding each year in Sudan, marking this landslide as an extreme instance of a recurring problem. The fallout from the disaster in Tarasin village serves as a stark reminder of the region’s challenges, where natural calamities intersect with human conflict, creating a cycle of suffering that demands urgent attention and action from the international community.