A catastrophic event unfolded in eastern Sudan as raging waters breached a dam, obliterating over 20 villages and claiming the lives of at least 30 individuals, with the actual death toll likely much higher, according to the UN. This disaster struck a region already grappling with the aftermath of prolonged civil unrest.
The deluge, triggered by relentless rainfall, overwhelmed the Arbaat dam on Sunday, situated 25 miles north of Port Sudan. The devastation left in its wake has rendered the area unrecognizable, with critical infrastructure such as electricity and water supply systems completely destroyed.
Reports indicate that between 150 to 200 people are missing, with grim scenes of goldminers’ bodies and equipment strewn amidst the ruins. The magnitude of the calamity draws parallels to the catastrophic events in Derna, Libya, last year.
Witnesses recount somber scenes of burials taking place under precarious conditions, as residents strive to secure graves from being washed away by mudslides. The flooding has impacted around 50,000 individuals, with the full extent of the damage yet to be assessed due to accessibility challenges.
The Arbaat dam collapse has not only disrupted the lives of thousands but also jeopardized the water supply for Port Sudan, a vital hub for aid distribution in the country. The deteriorating state of Sudan’s infrastructure, exacerbated by neglect during the ongoing conflict, has left communities vulnerable to such natural disasters.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the human toll continues to rise, with over 130 lives lost and thousands displaced. The urgent need for coordinated relief efforts and infrastructure rehabilitation is paramount to prevent further tragedies.
2024-08-26 16:41:39
Original from www.theguardian.com