Devastating Landslide in Sudan’s Darfur Region Claims Up to 1,000 Lives
In a heartbreaking tragedy amid Sudan’s ongoing turmoil, a massive landslide has obliterated an entire village in the war-torn Darfur region. Reports indicate that as many as 1,000 people perished in the disaster, leaving just one survivor amid the rubble.
What Happened in Tarasin Village?
Heavy rains pummeled the Marrah Mountains in Central Darfur over the weekend, triggering a catastrophic landslide on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The village of Tarasin—also spelled Tarseen in some reports—sat in a remote, volcanic area known for seasonal downpours from July to October. The deluge caused the earth to give way, burying homes and residents under tons of mud and debris.
Volunteers from nearby areas managed to recover only nine bodies so far, as ongoing rains hinder rescue efforts. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the region, confirmed the wipeout of the citrus-producing village that had become a refuge for hundreds displaced by conflict.
Casualties and Survivors: A Grim Toll
Estimates of the death toll vary, with the SLM/A reporting over 1,000 fatalities, while United Nations officials cite local accounts ranging from 300 to 1,000. Tragically, only one person survived the onslaught, underscoring the landslide’s devastating force.
This event marks one of Sudan’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years, compounding the suffering in a nation already reeling from civil war.
Background: War and Weather Collide
Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killing over 40,000 people and displacing more than 14 million. Darfur, infamous for past genocides, now faces famine in areas like al-Fashir, where fighting has besieged communities.
Tarasin provided shelter to those fleeing violence, but the region’s inaccessibility—due to restrictions and clashes—has blocked aid groups from reaching it easily. Nearby Tawila grapples with a cholera outbreak, highlighting how climate-driven events exacerbate humanitarian crises in conflict zones.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur, leader of the SLM/A, urged immediate international intervention, warning of potential repeat disasters amid persistent rains. He called for evacuation plans and emergency shelters to protect vulnerable populations.
Public outcry has surged on social media, with users expressing shock and demanding global aid. One X post lamented, “Over 1,000 lives lost in Sudan’s Darfur landslide—humanity must act now.” Sudan’s army-controlled government offered condolences and pledged support, while the RSF-aligned administration vowed to coordinate relief. Even Pope Leo extended prayers for the victims.
The United Nations’ resident coordinator, Luca Renda, expressed deep sadness and solidarity, as humanitarians mobilize despite challenges.
Relevance to U.S. Readers: Humanitarian Ties and Broader Implications
While far from American shores, this disaster resonates in the U.S. through foreign policy and aid commitments. The United States remains Sudan’s largest humanitarian donor, providing billions in assistance to combat famine and displacement amid the civil war. Instability in Sudan could fuel regional migration pressures and terrorism risks, potentially affecting U.S. security interests.
Economically, disruptions in Sudan’s agriculture—exacerbated by such events—may contribute to global food price volatility, impacting American consumers. Climate experts link intensified rains to global warming, urging U.S. policymakers to prioritize international resilience efforts.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Urgent Aid
This landslide underscores Sudan’s fragile state, where war and weather deliver double blows to civilians. As rains continue, the SLM/A appeals to the UN and aid agencies for body recovery and support. International organizations like the IOM have voiced sorrow and pledged response, but access remains a hurdle.
Recovery will demand global solidarity to prevent further loss. For now, the world watches as Sudan grapples with yet another layer of crisis.