A devastating landslide has struck a remote gold mining community in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, resulting in a significant and rising death toll, according to local authorities.
The catastrophe occurred in the Jebel Al-Ahmar area of North Darfur state on Sunday, burying an unknown number of artisanal miners and residents under tonnes of rock and earth. Initial reports suggest the landslide was triggered by the instability of the mining site itself.
Rising Casualties and Desperate Search Efforts
Local officials have confirmed the recovery of numerous bodies, but the final death toll remains uncertain. A statement from the provincial government expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging that "the number of victims is increasing" as recovery operations continue.
Rescue efforts are being severely hampered by the region's isolation and the ongoing civil conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The area's lack of basic infrastructure and essential heavy machinery is making it nearly impossible to effectively search for survivors or retrieve the deceased.
A Region Already Gripped by Conflict
This natural disaster compounds an already severe humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The region has been engulfed in violent conflict for months, creating one of the world's worst displacement crises. Millions have been forced from their homes, and access for international aid organisations is extremely limited.
The gold mining industry in Sudan, often involving rudimentary and unregulated techniques, has long been a source of environmental and social concern. This tragic event highlights the deadly risks faced by miners working in perilous conditions.
As the community mourns, the full scale of this tragedy is yet to be realised, with many still unaccounted for and fears that the final number of casualties will be far higher.
