Catastrophic Landslide Devastates Mountain Village
A massive landslide triggered by torrential rainfall has completely destroyed the village of Tarseen in Sudan’s Jebel Marra region of Darfur, killing an estimated 1,000 people with only one known survivor. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls this remote mountainous area, reported that the village, known for its citrus production was "leveled to the ground" on August 31 after days of heavy rain destabilized the volcanic slopes. The SLM/A has appealed to the United Nations and international aid agencies for urgent assistance in recovering bodies and providing emergency support.
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Civil War and Natural Disaster
The disaster strikes as Sudan grapples with a devastating two-year civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced millions and left over half the population facing crisis-level hunger. Jebel Marra, where Tarseen was located, has become a refuge for families fleeing violence in nearby El Fasher, though resources are severely strained. The region faces a cholera outbreak, and seasonal floods have exacerbated suffering, with aid access crippled by fighting and logistical challenges.
Appeals for International Aid and Evacuation
SLM/A leader Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur warned that nearby villages risk similar disasters if rainfall continues, urging a comprehensive evacuation plan and emergency shelter. Both Sudan’s army-controlled government and the RSF-backed rival administration have expressed condolences and pledged aid coordination. However, the area’s remoteness, accessible only by foot or donkeys and ongoing combat in Darfur have hindered response efforts. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan acknowledged "between 300 and 1,000" deaths and is mobilizing support despite access barriers.
Broader Context of Conflict and Environmental Vulnerability
Sudan’s civil war has turned Darfur into a humanitarian "black hole," with atrocities, famine, and limited aid access. The landslide underscores the intersection of climate vulnerability and conflict: seasonal rains annually cause deaths, but war has weakened infrastructure and displaced communities into high-risk areas. The African Union has called for a ceasefire to facilitate disaster response, though past truce efforts have failed.