Tragedy Strikes Eastern Sudan, International Help Needed After Dam Collapse

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The collapse of the Arbaat Dam in eastern Sudan due to heavy rains has led to the tragic loss of 30 lives and an urgent call for international aid.

At a Glance

  • The Arbaat Dam in Sudan’s eastern Red Sea state collapsed due to heavy rains.
  • The collapse resulted in flooding, killing at least 30 people and affecting about 70 villages.
  • 20 villages were destroyed, and homes of 50,000 people were either destroyed or damaged.
  • The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported urgent needs for food, water, and shelter.

The Collapse and Its Aftermath

The Arbaat Dam, located approximately 38 kilometers northwest of Port Sudan, collapsed over the weekend under the strain of relentless heavy rains, according to several reports. This disaster has resulted in flooding that claimed at least 30 lives and has wreaked havoc across about 70 villages. The region has experienced an intense rainy season, leading to widespread destruction.

“At least 30 people were killed in northeast Sudan after a dam collapsed due to flooding, the United Nations’ humanitarian office has said.”

In the immediate aftermath, up to 20 villages were wiped out, and approximately 50,000 people have lost or seen significant damage to their homes. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted the urgent need for shelter, food, and clean water among the affected populations.

Wider Impact and Humanitarian Response

The damage extends beyond homes and villages—more than 80 boreholes have collapsed, 10,000 heads of livestock are missing, and 70 schools have either been damaged or destroyed. The country’s health ministry reports that 132 deaths across 10 states this year are due to flooding and heavy rains.

“Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, said in a statement Tuesday that ‘this is a shameful moment’ for international humanitarian organizations, which for more than 16 months, ‘have failed to provide an adequate response to the country’s escalating medical needs — from catastrophic child malnutrition to widespread disease outbreaks.’”

This catastrophic event comes while Sudan deals with a protracted conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict, ongoing for over 500 days now, has killed thousands, decimated infrastructure, and displaced more than 10 million individuals. This disruption has exacerbated the challenges in delivering effective disaster response and humanitarian aid.

Urgent Call for International Aid

Heavy restrictions imposed by the warring factions have severely impacted the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid. As Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) emphasized, “this is a shameful moment” reflected in the insufficient global response. The necessity for international cooperation to bolster Sudan’s disaster preparedness and response capacity has never been more pressing.

In conclusion, the dam’s collapse starkly reveals Sudan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and underscores the urgent need for international aid and strong infrastructure. With climate change continuing to pose increasing threats, the global community must act swiftly to help safeguard human lives and mitigate future disasters.

Sources

1. A dam collapse in eastern Sudan kills at least 30 people following heavy rains, a UN agency says

2. At least 30 killed after Sudan flooding causes dam to collapse: UN

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