Why in news?
A catastrophic landslide struck the village of Tarasin in Sudan's Marrah Mountains (Central Darfur) on August 31, 2025, killing an estimated 1,000 people and destroying the entire community, with only one reported survivor.

Main Facts

• The landslide was triggered by heavy, sustained rainfall that loosened the mountainside bedrock, causing it to collapse and level Tarasin village.
• The disaster was announced by the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the affected region; they estimate the death toll may reach a thousand, as all residents are feared dead except one critically injured survivor.
• The village, known for citrus farming, was buried instantly, leaving homes and infrastructure completely destroyed.
• Most victims were already displaced by ongoing conflict in Darfur and had sought refuge in the Marrah Mountains.

Context

• The Marrah Mountains are a volcanic region often struck by intense rains during August, which was unusually heavy this year.
• The disaster has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation, as Sudan is mired in civil war and mass displacement crises.
• Recovery and relief operations are expected to take considerable time, with calls for specialized international teams to manage search and recovery.

This event is considered one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan's recent history, spotlighting both climate risks and the challenges posed by conflict zones.

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