The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that 64 people are missing due to the collapse of the Arbaat Dam in eastern Sudan, which occurred several days ago and resulted in at least 30 fatalities, according to local authorities.
The UN office stated that the floods caused significant damage to a freshwater pipeline serving Port Sudan, with around 5 million cubic meters of silt from the dam significantly impacting agriculture and water supplies in the surrounding areas.
According to a statement quoted by Anadolu Agency, the dam’s collapse resulted in the loss of lives, 64 missing persons, damage to 84 wells, and the destruction of 20 villages near the dam.
The statement also highlighted that the damage to the dam would have a major impact on the freshwater supplies to Port Sudan in the upcoming period.
A collective of United Nations agencies, local organizations, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, and the International Committee of the Red Cross conducted an initial assessment of the dam site on its western bank.
The findings indicated a significant impact of the floodwaters on crucial infrastructure and local communities, as per the statement.
The mission could only visit the western bank of the dam, as reports indicated that some communities remain trapped on the eastern bank due to rising water levels.
The rainy season in Sudan typically runs from June to October each year.
This year’s flood damage coincides with ongoing suffering due to the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in mid-April 2023, resulting in approximately 18,800 deaths and the displacement of about 10 million people, according to the UN.
There have been increasing appeals from the United Nations and the international community to avert a humanitarian disaster in Sudan that could lead to famine and the deaths of millions due to food shortages, compounded by fighting affecting 13 out of 18 states.
