A devastating landslide in Sudan’s Darfur region has killed hundreds of people, with many still buried under rubble, and rescue efforts are ongoing amid challenging conditions.
The disaster occurred on Sunday, September 1, when heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide in the village of Tarseen, located in the western Darfur region. The collapse of a mountain buried homes and farmland under enormous blocks of stone and mud, causing widespread destruction and trapping numerous residents. Initial reports indicate that the death toll is significant but varies, with estimates ranging from hundreds to potentially over a thousand fatalities.
Rescue operations are being severely hampered by the remote and rugged terrain, ongoing heavy rains, and limited resources available to emergency teams. Abdul Hafeez Ali, head of the local emergency coordination council, reported that only one survivor has been found so far, and the recovery of bodies has been slow, with just nine confirmed retrievals to date. The difficult conditions have made it nearly impossible to conduct full-scale rescue efforts, despite the arrival of support teams.
Conflicting death toll estimates have emerged from different sources. The United Nations’ deputy humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Antoine Gérard, stated that at least 370 people have died, while the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the area, claims that up to 1,000 people may have perished. An SLM/A official mentioned that 270 bodies had been recovered as of Wednesday, but hundreds more are believed to be trapped under the debris.
Personal accounts from affected individuals highlight the human tragedy. Ahmed Abdel Majeed, a native of Tarseen now living in Uganda, confirmed the deaths of two relatives and expressed concern for many missing family members. He described the challenges in communication, as solar-powered networks in the area have failed, making it hard to stay updated on rescue progress.
The SLM/A, which has remained neutral in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, has appealed for urgent international assistance, including medical supplies, food, and enhanced rescue capabilities. Leader Abdel Wahid Mohamed al-Nur emphasized that many residents had fled to this relatively peaceful area to escape violence, only to face this natural disaster.
The broader context of Sudan’s civil war adds complexity to the situation, as the affected region is difficult to access due to the conflict and its aftermath. This has delayed aid delivery and complicated coordination efforts among humanitarian organizations. The international community is being called upon to provide support, but logistical hurdles remain a significant barrier.
As the search for survivors and victims continues, the full scale of the catastrophe may not be known for some time. The combination of natural and man-made challenges underscores the need for a coordinated and sustained response to address both immediate and long-term needs in the aftermath of this tragedy.