Tragedy struck in war-torn Sudan as heavy rainfall caused the collapse of a dam, leading to the loss of over 60 lives and contributing to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
Situated in the Red Sea State, the Arbat Dam gave way under the immense pressure of torrential rains, triggering devastating floods that swept through farmlands, villages, and vehicles downstream.
This dam, with a capacity of 25 million cubic meters, played a crucial role in providing drinking water to Port Sudan, the seat of the military government.
Following the dam’s collapse, the city and its environs now face a precarious situation without a reliable water source, further compounding the challenges faced by the residents already grappling with 16 months of civil unrest.
Efforts are underway to conduct search and rescue operations, but authorities express concerns that the death toll may climb higher as they strive to locate missing individuals. Residents have recounted distressing accounts of people stranded in vehicles and homes being swept away by the floodwaters.
Reflecting on the dire circumstances, local resident Ali Issa recounted, “People were trapped in seven cars—despite attempts, they couldn’t rescue them.”
Another local, Moussa Mohamad Moussa, lamented the devastating impact on entire communities: “Every single house and possession was engulfed by the floods.”
Furthermore, the flooding has caused significant damage to a vital fiber-optic cable, leading to widespread communication breakdowns in multiple regions, hindering the coordination of rescue operations and leaving numerous communities isolated.
Reports suggest that the Sudanese Air Force has been mobilized to rescue individuals seeking shelter in the mountains, as conveyed by the local publication Merdameek.
Omar Issa Tahir, the director of the Red Sea State’s Water Authority, confirmed the extent of the devastation, stating to the local news outlet Akhbar that the flooding had “obliterated the entire area.”
Faced with the catastrophic aftermath, Army chief Abdul-Fattah al-Burhan visited the flood-affected zones, while the military issued a pressing appeal on social media for both federal and state agencies to offer immediate aid to the affected populace.
The conflict-ridden Sudan has been embroiled in turmoil since April 2023, marked by clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army.
This prolonged conflict has resulted in widespread displacement and severe food shortages, with the recent extreme weather exacerbating an already dire situation.