By Eltayeb Siddig
ARBAAT, Sudan (Multibagger) - Surging waters have burst through a dam, wiped out at least 20 villages, and left at least 30 people dead, devastating a region already reeling from months of civil war in eastern Sudan, the United Nations reported on Monday.
Torrential rains caused floods that overwhelmed the Arbaat Dam on Sunday, just 40 km (25 miles) north of Port Sudan, the de facto national capital. The region is home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, government offices, and aid agencies.
The destruction caused by the floods has left the area unrecognizable, with electricity and water pipes destroyed, according to Omar Eissa Haroun, head of the water authority for Red Sea state.
One first responder reported that between 150 and 200 people were missing, with bodies of gold miners and their equipment seen in the aftermath of the disaster.
The flooding has impacted about 50,000 people, with the dam being the main water source for Port Sudan, putting the city at risk of water shortages in the coming days.
Officials attribute the dam's failure to days of heavy rain that came earlier than usual, causing it to crumble. Sudan's infrastructure was already in disrepair before the civil war began in April 2023.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Forces has diverted resources away from infrastructure maintenance, leaving many people displaced and stranded in the mountains.
132 people have been killed in floods across the country, with at least 118,000 people displaced by the rains this year, according to United Nations agencies.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has further exacerbated the situation, with both sides prioritizing their power and economic interests over civilian welfare. Efforts to reach a ceasefire have been unsuccessful, leaving half of the country's population without sufficient food.
Overall, the devastating floods in eastern Sudan highlight the urgent need for international aid and infrastructure improvements to prevent further loss of life and displacement.