August 27th 2024.
A devastating tragedy has struck Sudan's northwest Red Sea State, as a dam collapsed and caused flash flooding that has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people, according to the United Nations' emergency relief agency. The death toll is expected to rise, as hundreds of people are still missing. The Arba'at Dam, which collapsed on Sunday, has caused immense damage to 20 villages and affected 50,000 people, leaving them in dire need of assistance.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that the floodwaters had decimated the villages of Khor-Baraka and Tukar, forcing residents to flee for their lives. The agency also reported that the death toll could potentially increase significantly. The aftermath of the disaster can be seen in footage released by Agence France-Presse, showing industrial trucks buried in mud and debris, along with personal belongings scattered everywhere.
Moussa Mohamad Moussa, a resident who lived near the dam, described the terrifying moment when the dam broke and the water swept away around 40 people. He shared that in his area, Tabub, all the houses and belongings were swept away by the floodwaters. Another resident, Ali Issa, shared his experience of helping rescue families, elderly people, and children who were trapped in their cars when the floods hit.
Initial reports suggest that the dam breached due to heavy rainfall, causing the reservoir to be completely drained. The dam supplies fresh water to Port Sudan, the country's fifth-largest city. The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the military and paramilitary forces has led to many top officials and civilians seeking refuge in Port Sudan.
The top military general, Abdel-Fattah Burhan, visited the affected area on Sunday and met with first responders. The war has caused immense damage to the country's infrastructure and healthcare system, leaving thousands dead and many more facing starvation. Over 10.7 million people have been displaced since the conflict began, with over two million fleeing to neighboring countries.
In addition to the ongoing conflict, Sudan is now facing a cholera outbreak, which has been fueled by the flooding and poor sanitation facilities. The World Health Organization reported that at least two dozen people have died from cholera, with over 650 cases in five states. The organization has initiated a vaccination campaign in the affected areas to prevent further spread of the disease.
The seasonal floods have also caused damage to critical infrastructure, worsening the country's already dire situation. A government report stated that over 130 people have died and more than 23,000 houses have been damaged or collapsed in the past two months due to flooding. Sudan's dams play a crucial role in managing the seasonal precipitation in the largely desert climate. The Arba'at Dam, with a capacity of 25 million cubic meters, was primarily built to hold spring and rainwater.
The dam burst on Saturday night due to heavy rains, according to local media reports. However, gathering information from the area has been challenging due to mobile network outages. The country is facing multiple crises, including the ongoing conflict, a cholera outbreak, and severe weather conditions, causing immense suffering and devastation for its citizens. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy. Stay updated on the latest news, celebrity, and sports updates by following our WhatsApp channel. Your privacy is our priority, and we ensure that no comments or algorithms can see your private information.
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