Heavy rainfall in East Sudan has left the Arbaat Dam near its area in East Sudan in ruins, as sources reported at least 30 people dead and leaving the residents in many tribulations. This comes as the dam located about 40 km north of Port Sudan gave in to the heavy rain in the region, coupled with continued fighting in the area.
🇪🇬 🇸🇩 Egypt offers condolences to neighboring Sudan after deadly dam collapse
Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has expressed deep sorrow to the government and people of Sudan following the tragic collapse of the Arbaat Dam in the Red Sea state.
🌊 The dam, a… pic.twitter.com/SfjdX7WNIM— Andromeda11711 (@Andromeda11711) August 26, 2024
Heavy torrents have been pouring in the city since the weekend, causing massive damage to the Arbaat Dam. It was indeed increased siltation of the embankment, confirmed the local authorities, which caused the overflowing of the dam and breakdown. The resultant flooding has ravaged and ruined about 20 villages such that the site of the area is completely changed. " said Omar Eissa Haroun, head of the Red Sea state's water authority. Moreover, infrastructure in terms of electricity and water supplies has also been badly damaged, and there is concern about the availability of clean water in the near term.
Image Source - DW
Humanitarian Crisis
According to the United Nations, almost 50,000 have been affected by the disaster, of whom at least the overwhelming majority would have to immediately receive help in the delivery of food, water, and housing. One disaster aid worker says today that 150 to 200 people remain unaccounted for and are currently missing, all so similarly to the ongoing disaster of last year's deadliest Libby flooding. This was issued as a warning by the Association of Sudanese Environmentalists that an emergency water shortage could befall Port Sudan shortly because the main source of city water supply became inoperable.
Image Source - Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council/Xinhua/picture alliance
Ongoing Conflict and Displacement
While conflict and displacement continue, constant skirmishes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces started in April 2023, which has further complicated everything in Sudan and contributed to a lack of attention to infrastructure that would make the country even more prone to natural adversities. The opposition and the government barred the U.N. from sending convoys with aid to and from the conflict areas, furthering the humanitarian crisis. Fighting has displaced as many as 10 million people, by some estimates the world's largest refugee.
Image Source - Yahoo News UK
The appeal for urgent humanitarian assistance in the wake of the dam burst comes over as nothing short of an uphill task as the country reels from the aftermath of the floods, coupled with ongoing violence as a mix that spells deadly intervention. The key challenge to any efforts in rebuilding that can be expected will continue to see a cycle of killing and exodus over days.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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