Over the weekend, the Arbaat Dam in Sudan's eastern Red Sea state suffered a catastrophic collapse due to heavy rains, resulting in devastating consequences for the surrounding communities. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that at least 30 people lost their lives in the flooding, with fears that the actual death toll could be higher.
The impact of the dam collapse extended to approximately 70 villages in the vicinity, with 20 villages being completely destroyed by the flash flooding. The situation is dire, with an urgent need for food, water, and shelter for the affected population, which includes 50,000 individuals whose homes were either damaged or destroyed.
Furthermore, the flooding caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, with more than 80 boreholes collapsing and 70 schools being damaged or destroyed. The loss of 10,000 heads of livestock adds to the economic toll of the disaster.
This tragic event comes amidst a broader crisis in Sudan, where heavy rains and flooding have impacted over 317,000 people, leading to the displacement of 118,000 individuals. The country is already grappling with a protracted conflict that has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement.
The ongoing war in Sudan, which began 500 days ago, has taken a heavy toll on the population, with thousands losing their lives and millions forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The conflict has severely strained the country's healthcare system, with more than 75% of health facilities destroyed since the war's onset.
International humanitarian organizations, including Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and CARE, have highlighted the urgent need for a robust response to address the escalating medical and humanitarian needs in Sudan. However, challenges such as limited access and restrictions imposed by warring parties have hindered the delivery of essential aid to those in need.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with the recent dam collapse underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts to provide relief and support to the affected communities.
