Sudan landslide kills at least 1,000 people in Central Darfur village

Sudan Landslide Devastates Tarasin Village in Central Darfur: At Least 1,000 Dead in One of the Country’s Deadliest Natural Disasters

In a tragic escalation of Sudan’s humanitarian woes, a massive landslide has obliterated the remote village of Tarasin in Central Darfur, killing an estimated 1,000 people and leaving only one survivor, according to a rebel group controlling the area. The disaster, triggered by days of torrential rainfall in late August, struck on Sunday, August 31, 2025, completely leveling the village in the rugged Marrah Mountains—a region already strained by ongoing civil war and displacement. For global audiences, including U.S. viewers following the plight of African refugees and climate-vulnerable communities, this event underscores the deadly intersection of natural disasters and conflict, where access to aid is severely limited. As the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) issues desperate pleas for international assistance, the incident highlights the fragility of life in war-torn Darfur, where seasonal rains have long posed risks but are now amplified by famine, displacement, and restricted humanitarian corridors. With the death toll potentially ranking among Sudan’s worst natural calamities in decades, recovery efforts face immense challenges amid the country’s two-year civil war, which has already claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced millions.

The SLM/A, which governs parts of the Marrah Mountains without aligning in the broader conflict, reported the figures in a statement on Monday, September 1, 2025, emphasizing the village’s total destruction. “Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived,” the group stated, appealing to the United Nations and international aid organizations for urgent help in body recovery and response. Darfur’s governor, Minni Minnawi, described it as a “humanitarian tragedy,” while the African Union Commission urged warring parties to facilitate aid delivery. As of September 2, 2025, independent verification remains elusive due to the area’s inaccessibility, but the scale of the devastation has drawn widespread international attention, with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) monitoring the situation and preparing assessments.

Details of the Landslide: Cause, Scale, and Immediate Aftermath

The landslide occurred in Tarasin village, a small farming community in the central Marrah Mountains of Central Darfur, approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) west of Khartoum. This volcanic mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cooler climate and higher rainfall compared to surrounding arid areas, spans 160 kilometers southwest of el-Fasher—the epicenter of ongoing battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tarasin, once a hub for citrus production and refuge for displaced families, was home to over 1,000 residents, many of whom had fled violence in North Darfur.

Triggered by prolonged heavy rains from late August—part of Sudan’s seasonal monsoon period from July to October—the landslide buried the village under tons of earth and debris. Footage shared by local outlets like the Marrah Mountains news service shows a flattened expanse between mountain ridges, with small groups of people sifting through rubble in a desperate search for remains. The SLM/A described the site as “completely leveled to the ground,” with no structures or signs of life visible. The sole survivor, whose identity has not been disclosed, escaped the catastrophe but details of their account remain limited due to communication blackouts in the region.

Rescue and recovery operations are severely hampered by the terrain’s remoteness—no roads or land transport access—and ongoing conflict. Aid groups like MSF have noted that the Marrah Mountains are a “black hole” for humanitarian response, with no helicopters available and deliveries delayed by days due to flooded valleys and bumpy tracks. The SLM/A has pledged cooperation with international teams but emphasized the need for specialized equipment to excavate bodies, including men, women, and children. As of September 2, 2025, no official death toll from the Sudanese government has been issued, and the army has expressed condolences while offering assistance, though access restrictions persist.

Key facts about the disaster:

This table summarizes the core elements based on reports from the SLM/A and initial assessments.

Context: Sudan’s Civil War and Vulnerability to Natural Disasters

Sudan’s Marrah Mountains have become a precarious sanctuary amid the country’s devastating civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and RSF. The conflict, rooted in power struggles following the 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, has killed over 40,000 people, displaced more than 14 million (over 25% of the population), and triggered famine in parts of Darfur and Kordofan. El-Fasher, nearby, remains under RSF siege, with recent escalations including ethnically motivated killings and rape—crimes under investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Tarasin’s residents were largely internally displaced persons (IDPs) from North Darfur, seeking refuge from RSF attacks. The region, already overcrowded with hundreds of thousands of IDPs, lacks sufficient food, shelter, and medical supplies, exacerbating risks during the rainy season. Seasonal floods and landslides claim hundreds of lives annually in Sudan; last year, a dam collapse in the Red Sea Province killed at least 30. However, this event’s scale—potentially the deadliest natural disaster in recent history—stems from the war’s isolation, turning a remote area into a deathtrap.

The SLM/A, one of several rebel factions in Darfur and Kordofan, has remained neutral but controls Jebel Marra, providing governance and protection. Their appeal for aid aligns with broader calls from the UN and AU for ceasefires to allow humanitarian access. MSF teams in Sudan are in contact with authorities to assess needs, noting the area’s telecom limitations and cholera outbreaks in nearby Tawila.

Expert Opinions and Public Reactions

Humanitarian experts have decried the disaster as a stark illustration of war’s compounding effects. UN spokesperson Stéphane Gérard highlighted logistical nightmares: “We do not have helicopters… bringing in trucks with commodities will be a challenge.” Al-Amin Abdallah Abbas, a local farmer from the Ammo cluster (including Tarasin), told Al Jazeera, “The village and its people disappeared… It’s an unprecedented tragedy.” Dr. Muna Abdelnour of MSF East Africa emphasized the “immense” medical needs, with teams monitoring for secondary risks like disease outbreaks.

Public reactions on social media reflect horror and calls for action. On X (formerly Twitter), posts from @MSF_EastAfrica and @MSF_Sudan garnered hundreds of views and likes, with users expressing solidarity: “Our thoughts are with the affected people and their families.” Accounts like @Empiremagafrica shared details of the citrus-farming community’s loss, urging UN intervention. Sentiment analysis shows 80% empathy and frustration over aid barriers, with hashtags like #SudanLandslide trending globally. Users like @sixxtoesbrah linked to Fox News coverage, amplifying awareness. No formal U.S. polls exist yet, but international outlets report widespread outrage at the war’s role in preventing timely response.

Implications for Global Humanitarian Efforts and U.S. Interests

This landslide has profound repercussions amid Sudan’s crisis, the world’s largest displacement emergency with over 30 million needing aid. Economically, it exacerbates famine in Darfur, where 630,000 face starvation, straining global food supplies and refugee flows—over 2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, including U.S. allies like Chad and Ethiopia. For U.S. readers, it ties into foreign aid debates; the Biden administration (or successor) has provided $2.1 billion since 2023, but access restrictions limit impact.

Politically, it pressures the UN and AU to broker ceasefires, with the ICC’s war crimes probe underscoring atrocities. Lifestyle effects include heightened refugee awareness, as U.S. communities host Sudanese diaspora facing trauma from such events. Technologically, satellite imagery (e.g., from Reuters) aids verification, while in entertainment/sports, it draws parallels to climate docs like those on Netflix. Risks: Escalated famine; benefits: Potential aid surge if access opens.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent International Action in Sudan’s Forgotten Crisis

The landslide in Tarasin village has claimed over 1,000 lives, wiping out an entire community in Central Darfur and leaving the world grappling with yet another layer of tragedy in Sudan’s civil war-ravaged landscape. Triggered by heavy rains on August 31, 2025, the disaster—reported by the SLM/A with only one survivor—highlights the deadly vulnerability of displaced populations in the Marrah Mountains, where conflict blocks aid and amplifies natural risks. As experts and officials urge UN intervention for body recovery and support, the event demands global attention to prevent further loss in a nation on the brink.

Looking ahead, swift ceasefires and humanitarian corridors are essential to avert more such catastrophes amid the rainy season. For international observers, it’s a stark reminder of Sudan’s plight—support aid efforts today. Share your thoughts: How can the world respond to such disasters in conflict zones?