Villagers in a remote area of Sudan’s Darfur region are using their hands to dig for victims after a catastrophic landslide, with conflicting reports on the death toll. The disaster highlights the challenges of aid delivery in a region plagued by civil war.
The landslide struck on Sunday, following heavy rainfall, and devastated several villages in the Tarseen area. According to aid group Save the Children, the event has caused widespread destruction, with buildings washed away and many buried under debris. The remoteness of the location has made independent verification difficult, but satellite imagery from BBC Verify confirms significant damage.
Rescue efforts are being carried out manually by local villagers due to the absence of heavy machinery or tools. Francesco Lanino, Save the Children’s deputy Sudan director, reported that people are excavating by hand to recover the bodies of their relatives. This slow and arduous process is hampered by the difficult terrain and lack of resources.
The death toll remains highly uncertain, with estimates ranging widely. Sudan’s national health ministry has confirmed only two bodies recovered, while an armed group controlling the area claims up to 1,000 deaths. Save the Children cites the head of the Civil Authority stating that at least 373 bodies have been found, and Lanino warns that as many as 1,000 lives may have been lost, including approximately 200 children.
In the worst-hit village, only one survivor has been found so far, painting a grim picture of the disaster’s impact. Aid workers describe scenes of utter devastation, with the landslide being one of the most tragic in the region’s history. The affected area consists of five villages, all suffering from the aftermath.
Access to the disaster zone is extremely challenging; Save the Children staff took over six hours to travel 22 kilometers on rocky, muddy paths, much of it on donkey. They have managed to deliver the first batch of humanitarian supplies, but the ongoing civil war between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army further complicates rescue and aid efforts.
Sudan is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the conflict, with millions displaced and thousands killed. This landslide adds another layer of tragedy, underscoring the urgent need for international assistance and the difficulties in providing it amidst warfare.
Looking ahead, aid organizations are working to provide more support, but the situation remains dire. The international community is called upon to help mitigate the suffering and address the broader crisis in Sudan.