An armed group in western Sudan has urgently requested international assistance following a devastating landslide that has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people in the village of Tarseen. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) reported that torrential rain triggered the landslide, completely destroying the mountain village located in the Jebel Marra area of the Darfur region. Only one individual is known to have survived the disaster, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.
The SLM/A, which has governed an autonomous region of Jebel Marra for years, is appealing to the United Nations and international aid organizations to assist in recovering the bodies of the victims, including men, women, and children. In a statement released on Tuesday, the group highlighted the dire situation, stating, “Tarseen, famed for its citrus production, has now been completely leveled to the ground.”
Concerns are mounting among nearby residents, who fear they could face a similar fate if the heavy rains continue. Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur, the leader of the SLM/A, emphasized the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan and emergency shelter for those affected.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has further complicated the humanitarian crisis. The SLM/A has maintained a neutral position amidst the civil war, which has seen fierce battles between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Currently, both factions are vying for control of al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, which has been besieged and is suffering from severe food shortages.
As residents flee to Jebel Marra and surrounding areas, the situation remains critical. Many are displaced and facing inadequate food, shelter, and medical supplies, leaving them vulnerable to the ongoing rains. The town of Tawila, where most of the displaced have sought refuge, is grappling with a cholera outbreak, adding another layer of urgency to the humanitarian response.
The civil war, now entering its second year, has resulted in more than half of Sudan’s population facing crisis levels of hunger and has displaced millions. These circumstances have left many individuals particularly exposed to the region’s annual flooding.
The Sudanese government, led by the army, has expressed condolences and a willingness to assist those affected by the landslide. Additionally, the newly-installed RSF-controlled government, headed by Prime Minister Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi, has indicated intentions to coordinate with the SLM/A for the delivery of aid supplies to the devastated area.
The international community’s response will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs and long-term recovery of the affected population, as the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate.
