An armed group in western Sudan has issued an urgent plea for international assistance following a catastrophic landslide that has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people. The disaster struck the village of Tarseen in the mountainous Jebel Marra area, leaving only one known survivor. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which governs an autonomous region of Jebel Marra, has called on the United Nations and international aid organizations to help recover the bodies and provide essential support to the affected communities.
The landslide occurred amidst torrential rainfall, which has raised concerns among nearby villagers about their safety. In a statement released on Tuesday, the SLM/A described the devastation of Tarseen, a village known for its citrus production, stating, “Tarseen has now been completely levelled to the ground.” The group’s leader, Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan and emergency shelters to protect residents from further disasters.
As the conflict in Sudan continues, the SLM/A has maintained a neutral stance in the ongoing civil war, which features a violent struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Currently, both groups are vying for control over al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, which is facing a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by famine and conflict.
Residents of al-Fashir and surrounding areas have sought refuge in Jebel Marra, yet they face severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands are exposed to the heavy rains and the subsequent health risks. Tawila, a locality where many have fled, is grappling with a cholera outbreak, which has further strained the already limited resources available to those affected.
The two-year civil war has resulted in over half of Sudan’s population experiencing severe food insecurity, with millions displaced from their homes. The annual floods that affect the region add another layer of danger for those already vulnerable.
In response to the tragedy, the army-controlled government of Sudan expressed condolences and offered assistance. Furthermore, Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi, the prime minister of the newly-installed RSF-controlled rival government, announced plans to coordinate with the SLM/A to facilitate the delivery of aid supplies to the devastated area.
The international community is now faced with the pressing need to respond to this humanitarian crisis, as the toll of the landslide continues to weigh heavily on the survivors and the broader region.
