A devastating Sudan landslide has killed more than 1,000 people in the mountainous Darfur region, leaving only one survivor. The destruction of the village of Tarseen in Jebel Marra has triggered desperate appeals from local groups for international help. They are urging the United Nations and aid agencies to recover bodies, provide shelter, and protect nearby communities from further disaster.
A Village Wiped Out
The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) reported that the landslide destroyed the entire village of Tarseen. Once known for its citrus orchards, the village now lies in ruins. Men, women, and children were buried under rocks and mud as torrential rains swept the mountain slopes.
According to the SLM/A, only one person managed to survive. The group, which governs parts of Jebel Marra, described the scene as catastrophic. It called on the global community to act quickly to prevent further loss of life.
Torrential Rains Fuel Fear
Jebel Marra continues to experience heavy downpours. Nearby villages fear that more landslides may occur if the rains persist. Residents are seeking urgent evacuation, but resources remain limited.
Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur, leader of the SLM/A, said the disaster exposed the urgent need for comprehensive evacuation plans. He called for emergency shelters and immediate international assistance. Without action, he warned, other mountain communities could share Tarseen’s fate.
Civil War Complicates Response
Sudan’s ongoing civil war has made disaster response far more difficult. The conflict pits the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both sides are locked in a fierce battle for control of al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur.
The SLM/A has maintained neutrality in the conflict. Despite this stance, the group now faces the challenge of coordinating humanitarian aid in a war zone. The RSF has laid siege to al-Fashir, worsening famine conditions and limiting the movement of supplies.
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Displacement and Disease
The conflict has already displaced millions across Sudan. Many residents from al-Fashir and surrounding areas have sought refuge in Jebel Marra. However, the influx has strained resources. Food, medicine, and shelter are scarce, leaving communities exposed to both natural disasters and disease.
In Tawila, where many displaced families have arrived, a cholera outbreak is spreading. Other parts of Darfur are also struggling with waterborne diseases. With thousands now at risk from floods and landslides, the health crisis is rapidly escalating.
Government Reactions
Sudan’s army-controlled government expressed condolences for the victims of the landslide. Officials promised support for relief operations, though the scale of the disaster poses major challenges.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi, prime minister of the RSF-controlled rival administration, announced plans to coordinate with the SLM/A. He pledged to deliver aid to the affected areas. Despite deep divisions, both sides appear to recognize the need for cooperation in the face of humanitarian catastrophe.
Hunger Crisis Deepens
The landslide has struck Sudan at a time of worsening hunger. Two years of civil war have pushed more than half the population into crisis levels of food insecurity. Millions have been driven from their homes, leaving them vulnerable to flooding and seasonal disasters.
Aid agencies warn that the combination of war, famine, disease, and natural calamities could create one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. With limited access and ongoing fighting, relief groups struggle to reach the most affected populations.
International Appeal
The SLM/A’s appeal to the United Nations highlights the urgent need for global involvement. The group requested immediate assistance in recovering bodies and supporting survivors. It stressed that local communities cannot manage the disaster alone.
International organizations have been active in Sudan for years, but the scale of the current crisis demands greater attention. Floods, famine, and war create overlapping emergencies that strain both local and global resources.
Survivors Face Uncertain Future
For those who fled to nearby areas, fear and grief dominate daily life. With homes destroyed and families buried, survivors face the painful task of rebuilding while still under threat from rains and conflict.
Villagers who remain in Jebel Marra live with the constant risk of more landslides. Without proper evacuation plans, their safety remains in jeopardy. Aid workers stress that urgent shelter, food supplies, and medical care are needed to prevent further tragedy.
A Nation in Peril
The Sudan landslide that erased Tarseen stands as a stark reminder of the country’s fragility. War has weakened institutions, displaced millions, and created a humanitarian vacuum. Natural disasters now compound these challenges, leaving Sudanese communities exposed to unimaginable losses.
As appeals for help grow louder, the international community faces a test. Will it act swiftly to aid Sudan’s most vulnerable, or will the victims of Tarseen join countless others in a forgotten crisis?
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