A catastrophic landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Sudan’s western Darfur region has killed hundreds, with reports estimating the death toll between 370 and 1,000. The disaster struck the village of Tarseen in the Marra Mountains on Sunday, where an entire mountainside reportedly collapsed, burying homes, farmland, and residents under massive rocks and mud.
Abdul Hafeez Ali, head of the Coordinating Council of the Tawila and Jebel Marra Emergency Room, told the BBC that only one survivor has been found so far, with nine bodies recovered. He described the devastation as the “destruction of the village.” The United Nations has confirmed at least 370 deaths, though the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the area, insists the toll could exceed 1,000.
Survivors are still searching for missing relatives. Ahmed Abdel Majeed, originally from Tarseen but now in Uganda, said two of his family members have been confirmed dead while many others remain unaccounted for. “The bodies are still buried under the rubble,” he explained, adding that massive blocks of stone and mud are hindering recovery efforts.
The SLM/A, which has remained neutral in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, has appealed for urgent international assistance, including food, medical supplies, and rescue equipment. “People on the ground have confirmed the death toll. Hundreds remain trapped under the rubble,” SLM/A leader Abdel Wahid Mohamed al-Nur told the BBC.
Rescue operations have been severely hampered by continuous heavy rainfall, rough terrain, and a lack of resources. Aid worker Abdul Hafeez Ali said teams are struggling to access the affected zone despite support arriving in Sudan. Communication has also broken down as solar-powered networks in the area have collapsed.
As recovery continues, the true scale of the tragedy remains uncertain. Still, the Sudan landslide stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the region in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
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