Tragic dam collapse in Sudan claims dozens of lives

Residents of the villages of Khor-Baraka and Tukar were forced to evacuate as floodwaters inundated their communities. Local officials have expressed concern that the final death toll could rise significantly as search and rescue efforts continue.

Eyewitness accounts from survivors living near the dam paint a grim picture of the events. A local resident, Moussa Mohamad Moussa, reported how the raging waters swept away numerous people in the Tabub area, destroying homes and property.

Initial assessments suggest that the dam broke due to heavy rainfall and the reservoir was completely drained. The Arbaat Dam played a crucial role in supplying fresh water to Port Sudan, a major city in the region.

The humanitarian situation in the Red Sea state is likely to deteriorate further following this tragic incident. Aid organizations are warning about the fragile state of Sudan, which has been struggling with social unrest and food shortages for over a year.

Efforts are currently underway to provide immediate assistance to the victims of the disaster. The Sudanese Minister of Health has pledged support in the form of medical supplies, personnel and funds for evacuation measures.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese armed forces and local authorities are working together to address the challenges posed by the dam collapse. The region around the Arbaat Dam, which is already home to a large number of displaced people, is facing an uphill battle in the wake of this disaster.

As relief efforts intensify, organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNCED) and the WASH Cluster are working closely with OCHA and local partners to reach affected communities and provide much-needed assistance.