Arbaat, Sudan – A catastrophic dam failure in eastern Sudan has resulted in widespread devastation, claiming at least 30 lives and leaving countless others missing. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 26, when torrential rains overwhelmed the Arbaat Dam, located just north of Port Sudan.
The surging waters swept away entire villages, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Residents described the scene as unrecognizable, with homes, infrastructure, and vital services reduced to rubble. Local authorities reported that the floodwaters had impacted the homes of approximately 50,000 people, with the actual number likely higher due to inaccessibility in certain areas.
The dam failure has had a severe impact on Port Sudan, the country’s main Red Sea port and a lifeline for humanitarian aid. The city is now facing a looming water crisis as the dam was its primary source of water supply. The Sudanese Environmentalists Association warned that Port Sudan could be “threatened with thirst” in the coming days.
The incident has also highlighted the dire state of Sudan’s infrastructure, which has been neglected due to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. The dam’s crumbling condition and the buildup of silt were contributing factors to the disaster.
