Sudan government, rebels and UN respond to deadly Darfur landslide

September 2, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s government, rebels and aid agencies were scrambling on Tuesday to respond to a deadly landslide in a remote part of South Darfur, with the death toll feared to be high.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rains on August 31 in Tarsin village, prompted separate appeals for help from the government and the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A-AW), which controls the area. The rebel group reported a “catastrophic loss of life,” but the exact death toll remains unconfirmed.

The United Nations said it was mobilizing support for those affected.

“The UN and humanitarian partners are mobilizing to provide support,” acting U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Luca Renda, said in a statement. The U.N.’s humanitarian office (OCHA) added that it was working with all parties to ensure access to aid.

According to a U.N. report, local residents are conducting search and rescue operations, with urgent needs including shelter and medical assistance.

Rescue efforts are being hampered by the remote, mountainous terrain and ongoing heavy rains, with the area accessible only by donkey, aid workers said. Poor internet connectivity has also complicated damage assessments.

An inter-agency team plans to conduct an assessment on September 4 and will bring initial medical, food, and sanitation supplies. Aid groups said existing humanitarian programs in the nearby village of Suni would provide a foundation for the emergency response.