On August 31, 2025, a catastrophic landslide struck the village of Tarasin in the Marrah Mountains of Central Darfur, Sudan, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 residents, with only one survivor confirmed. The disaster, triggered by days of intense rainfall, has leveled the entire village and compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
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| Sudan Landslide 2025 |
The Event: What Happened
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The disaster took place in the Marrah (Jebel Marra) Mountains, a rugged volcanic region known for being a refuge for displaced people amid ongoing conflict.
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The landslide is considered one of Sudan’s most devastating natural disasters in recent history.
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Contributing Factors & Regional Context
Heavy rainfall in late August destabilized the slopes, causing the disaster.AP NewsWikipediaSudan Tribune
The ongoing civil war—between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—has made the region largely inaccessible to humanitarian aid and recovery efforts.
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The Marrah Mountains serve as both a haven for internally displaced families and a stronghold for the SLM-A, further complicating relief access.
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Sudan's conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, exacerbating famine and suffering, particularly in Darfur.
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Humanitarian Response & Barriers
The SLM-A has urgently appealed to the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations for help to recover bodies and provide disaster relief. However, access remains heavily restricted due to conflict dynamics and the need for permits from multiple authorities.
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Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Disaster | August 31, 2025 |
| Location | Tarasin village, Marrah Mountains, Central Darfur |
| Cause | Landslide induced by days of heavy rainfall |
| Reported Fatalities | Over 1,000 (only one confirmed survivor) |
| Access & Relief | Severely limited due to ongoing conflict |
| Appeal for Aid | Issued by SLM-A to UN and international agencies |
Why This Disaster Matters
The destruction of Tarasin adds yet another layer to the humanitarian catastrophe already engulfing Darfur—marked by famine, displacement, and violence.
The landslide’s timing and location—a refugee haven amid civil war—highlight how fragile communities are cornered by crises from multiple fronts.
Final Thoughts
The landslide that obliterated Tarasin village on August 31, 2025, is a tragedy of massive proportions. It exemplifies the lethal combination of natural disaster, chronic underdevelopment, and ongoing conflict. Recovery and mourning are constrained by the very violence that displaced these people in the first place.
Mass casualty incidents like this demand swift international action—yet deliverance has been slow. The families of Tarasin deserve both recognition of their loss and the support that their isolation continues to impede.
Suggested Follow-ups
Pressing for humanitarian access agreements between conflict parties.Mapping safe aid routes into the Marrah Mountains.
Monitoring climate-related disaster risks in politically fragile zones like Darfur.
FAQs
Q1. Where did the landslide in Sudan occur?
The landslide struck Tarasin village in the Marrah Mountains of Central Darfur on August 31, 2025.
Q2. How many people were killed in the Tarasin landslide?
Reports from the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM-A) indicate that over 1,000 people died, with only one survivor found.
Q3. What caused the massive landslide in Darfur?
The landslide was triggered by days of heavy rainfall, which destabilized the mountain slopes in the Marrah range.
Q4. Why is access to the disaster site restricted?
The Marrah Mountains are under the control of the SLM-A rebel group, and ongoing conflict in Darfur has made independent verification and aid access extremely difficult.
Q5. What has been the response from authorities and aid groups?
The SLM-A has called for international aid, but relief operations are hampered by the security situation and limited humanitarian access.
Q6. How does this disaster connect to Sudan’s wider humanitarian crisis?
Sudan is already facing civil war, famine, and displacement. The landslide adds another layer of tragedy for vulnerable communities in Darfur.
Q7. Has a similar landslide ever occurred in Darfur before?
While the Marrah Mountains are prone to seasonal flooding and smaller landslides, this is considered one of the deadliest natural disasters in Darfur’s history
