Devastation has struck Sudan's northwest Red Sea State as a dam collapse has resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives, with hundreds more feared missing, according to the United Nations's emergency relief agency. The collapse of the Arba’at Dam on Sunday led to flash flooding that decimated 20 villages and damaged 50 others, affecting an estimated 50,000 individuals severely.
Residents in the villages of Khor-Baraka and Tukar were forced to flee for safety as the dam breach unleashed a torrent of water, with reports indicating around 40 people swept away in the deluge. The aftermath of the disaster, captured in footage, shows a scene of destruction with industrial trucks buried in mud and debris, and vehicles submerged in the silty riverbank.
The dam, which supplies fresh water to Port Sudan, the country's fifth largest city, collapsed due to torrential rains, resulting in the complete drainage of the reservoir behind it. The humanitarian situation in Red Sea State is expected to deteriorate further as a result of the catastrophe.
In response to the crisis, Sudan's Federal Minister of Health has pledged emergency humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies and personnel, to aid in evacuation efforts. The Sudanese Armed Forces chief and head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council also visited affected areas to assess the damage and provide support to the impacted communities.
The region surrounding the Arba’at Dam has long been grappling with humanitarian challenges, hosting nearly 240,000 displaced individuals. Aid agencies, including the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and WASH Cluster, are collaborating with local officials to reach and assist the communities affected by the dam collapse.
