A landslide in the Marra Mountains of western Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 370 people, according to Antoine Gérard, the UN’s deputy humanitarian coordinator for Sudan. The remote location is complicating efforts to accurately assess the situation and establish a precise death toll. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, which governs the affected area, has reported a significantly higher death toll of around 1,000.
The landslide was triggered by several days of heavy rainfall and occurred on Sunday, devastating much of the village of Tarasin. Reports indicate that only one individual survived the disaster. The armed group has called for urgent humanitarian aid from the UN and international organizations, highlighting the challenges faced in providing assistance. Mr. Gérard noted that ground access is limited due to poor road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, which may delay the delivery of aid.
The Marra Mountains region has become a refuge for many residents from North Darfur state who have been displaced by ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The governor of Darfur, Minni Minnawi, has described the landslide as a humanitarian tragedy and urged international organizations to provide immediate support.
Since the civil war erupted in April 2023, the humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated, with significant reports of famine and large-scale displacement. A US official previously estimated that the conflict had resulted in up to 150,000 deaths, with around 12 million individuals displaced. The factions within the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army have pledged to combat the RSF alongside the Sudanese military, as tensions regarding ethnic and territorial control remain high in the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdj2jygzzk9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss