The tragic collapse of a dam in eastern Sudan due to heavy rains has left the region grappling with devastating consequences.
At a Glance
- The Arbaat Dam in Sudan’s eastern Red Sea state collapsed over the weekend due to heavy rains.
- The collapse resulted in flooding that killed at least 30 people and affected about 70 villages.
- 20 villages were destroyed, and the homes of 50,000 people were either destroyed or damaged.
- The U.N. reported that those affected urgently need food, water, and shelter.
- More than 80 boreholes collapsed, 10,000 heads of livestock are missing, and 70 schools were either damaged or destroyed.
Sudan Dam Collapse: Overview
A catastrophic dam failure in Sudan’s eastern Red Sea state has resulted in the death of at least 30 people. This incident, triggered by intense rainfall, has devastated around 70 villages, wiping out 20 of them completely. The Arbaat Dam, located approximately 38 kilometers northwest of Port Sudan, could not withstand the deluge, leading to extensive flooding.
The collapse and subsequent flooding have had a trifecta of adverse impacts, including the destruction of over 80 boreholes, the disappearance of 10,000 heads of livestock, and damage to 70 schools. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that immediate assistance is critically needed for those affected, encompassing food, water, and shelter.
Impact on Local Communities
In addition to the human toll, the collapse has severely affected up to 50,000 people living in areas west of the dam. The flooding has caused significant infrastructural damage, exacerbating the challenges already posed by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This ongoing conflict has severely hampered repair and humanitarian efforts.
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Challenges and Responses
According to the country’s health ministry, 132 deaths due to flooding and heavy rains have been recorded in 10 states this year. This intense rainy season has been especially devastating in the Northern and River Nile states. The health care system has been “shattered,” leaving countless residents without care.
Efforts to provide aid have been significantly obstructed due to heavy restrictions imposed by the warring factions. The international humanitarian response has been criticized as inadequate, with organizations like Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemning the failure to meet escalating medical needs in the region.
Call for International Support
Sudan’s complicated landscape of ongoing conflict and fragile infrastructure necessitates robust international assistance for disaster preparedness and recovery. The critical situation underscores the importance of durable infrastructure capable of withstanding severe weather conditions.
As Sudan navigates this multifaceted crisis, both local and international agencies must prioritize immediate and long-term solutions to mitigate these recurring disasters and protect its vulnerable population.
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