Port Sudan, Sudan – In a devastating turn of events, the Arbaat Dam in eastern Sudan collapsed on Sunday, unleashing severe flooding that has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, with hundreds more still missing. The disaster has left communities near Port Sudan grappling with destruction and uncertainty, as rescue efforts continue amidst challenging conditions.
According to Omer Issa Tahir, head of the Red Sea State’s Water Corporation, the dam burst has devastated villages surrounding Port Sudan, the capital of the state. “The priority is to evacuate those trapped by the flooding,” Tahir emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for interventions in the affected areas.
Survivors who fled to higher ground face additional perils, including the threat of scorpion and snake bites as they seek refuge on nearby mountains. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach them, but the intense flooding filled with silt is hindering these efforts. Local media reports indicate that the heavy rains causing the dam to collapse have destroyed villages and made access to the region extremely difficult.
The Arbaat Dam, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Port Sudan, had a reservoir capacity of 25 million cubic meters and served as a major water source for the city. Its collapse not only poses immediate dangers but also threatens the water supply for thousands of residents.
This disaster underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events and the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. As the people of Sudan confront this tragedy, the focus remains on rescuing those stranded and providing aid to the affected communities.
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Sudan dam collapse leaves at least 60 dead, hundreds missing
cgtn.com
