Dam Collapses, Wreaking Havoc in Eastern Sudan

A dam collapse in eastern Sudan claimed at least 30 lives this week, exacerbating the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis amid heavy rains and prolonged conflict.

At a Glance

The Arbaat Dam in Sudan’s Red Sea state collapsed due to heavy rains, killing at least 30 people
About 70 villages were affected, with 20 completely destroyed
The disaster displaced 50,000 people, destroying homes and critical infrastructure
This flooding compounds Sudan’s ongoing displacement crisis caused by civil conflict

Dam Collapse Devastates Eastern Sudan

The Arbaat Dam, located approximately 38 kilometers northwest of Port Sudan in the eastern Red Sea state, collapsed over the weekend due to heavy rains. The resulting floods have claimed at least 30 lives, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). However, the UN agency suggests the actual death toll may be higher as the situation continues to unfold. As of August 26, over 150 people were said to be missing by one report.

The dam’s collapse has had far-reaching consequences, affecting about 70 villages in the surrounding area. Of these, 20 villages have been completely destroyed. The flooding has damaged or destroyed the homes of approximately 50,000 people, representing a staggering 77% of the population in the affected areas. The disaster has also resulted in the collapse of more than 80 boreholes, the disappearance of 10,000 heads of livestock, and damage or destruction to 70 schools.

Omar Eissa Haroun, head of the water authority for Red Sea state, is reported to have said, “The area is unrecognisable,” following the disaster and made note of the destruction of the electricity and water systems.

Dam collapse in eastern Sudan kills at least 30 people following heavy rains, UN agency says https://t.co/IReXpUYndm

— VOA Africa (@VOAAfrica) August 27, 2024

Compounding Humanitarian Crisis

This latest catastrophe adds to Sudan’s already dire humanitarian situation. The country has been grappling with a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over 500 days. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and pushed many citizens to the brink of famine. More than 10 million people have been displaced due to the war, creating one of the world’s largest displacement crises.

The international humanitarian response has been criticized as inadequate by organizations like Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). Heavy restrictions imposed by warring parties have severely limited the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid. The situation is further complicated by the destruction of Sudan’s healthcare system, with over 75% of healthcare facilities rendered non-functional since the war began, according to the World Health Organization.

Urgent Needs and Long-term Concerns

The immediate needs of those affected by the dam collapse include food, water, and shelter. However, the flooding has also exacerbated existing challenges related to sanitation, healthcare, and education in the region. The loss of livestock and damage to agricultural land raise concerns about long-term food security and economic stability for the affected communities.

The dam collapse serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to both natural disasters and man-made crises. The international community faces mounting pressure to provide adequate support and resources to address the complex humanitarian emergency unfolding in Sudan.