Landslide in Sudan Claims Over 1,000 Lives, One Survivor Found

At least 1,000 people are feared dead after a catastrophic landslide swept through a village in the Darfur region of western Sudan. The disaster occurred on September 10, 2023, following two days of torrential rain that destabilized the slopes of the Marrah Mountains. According to the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), only one person managed to survive this tragedy.

The landslide reportedly obliterated the village, engulfing families, including men, women, and children. The SLM described the devastation, stating that the village has been “completely levelled to the ground.” This dire report was echoed by Abdelwahid Mohamed Nour, the leader of the SLM, who made an urgent appeal for assistance in recovering the bodies of the deceased.

Initial assessments suggest that all residents in the village, estimated at over 1,000 individuals, are unaccounted for. Nour emphasized the need for international help, saying, “Initial information indicates the death of all village residents.”

Many residents had sought refuge in the Marrah Mountains to escape ongoing violence between two rival militias. The Sudanese army is currently engaged in conflict with the Rapid Support Forces for control over North Darfur state. The SLM, which has influence in the region, continues to address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by both the natural disaster and the ongoing conflict.

As rescue efforts begin, the situation remains critical. Local authorities are mobilizing resources to find the survivor and assess the extent of the damage. The community grapples with the loss of life and the destruction of homes, further complicated by the existing instability in the region.

In the wake of this tragedy, the global community is urged to respond quickly to assist those affected and support recovery efforts. The profound impact of this event highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid in a region already burdened by conflict and natural disasters.