Tuesday, August 27, 2024 In eastern Sudan, a catastrophic event occurred when a dam, overwhelmed by surging waters, collapsed and caused widespread destruction. This disaster, which took place approximately 40 km north of Port Sudan, the de facto national capital, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people. However, many more are feared dead, as numerous individuals remain missing.
The United Nations reported on the tragedy on Monday, highlighting the severe impact on a region already suffering from months of civil war. The bursting of the Arbaat Dam, brought on by torrential rains, led to devastating floods that wiped out at least 20 villages. According to local reports, the disaster impacted the homes of about 50,000 people, with the figure only accounting for areas west of the dam.
The eastern side remains inaccessible, suggesting that the full extent of the damage may be even more severe. Omar Eissa Haroun, head of the water authority for Red Sea state, described the area as “unrecognizable,” noting that both electricity and water infrastructure had been completely destroyed. A first responder on the scene reported seeing the bodies of gold miners and wrecked equipment, drawing a comparison to the tragedy in Derna, Libya, where storm waters burst dams, swept away buildings, and killed thousands in September the previous year.
On the road to Arbaat, a Reuters reporter observed residents burying a man, using driftwood to cover his grave in an attempt to prevent it fro.