Dam Collapse in Eastern Sudan Kills Dozens, Hundreds Missing
Khartoum, Sudan – A dam collapse in eastern Sudan has resulted in the deaths ofdozens of people and left approximately 200 missing, according to reports from international media on August 27th.
The Al-Abbasiya dam, located about 40 kilometers north of Port Sudan, the capital of Red Sea state and Sudan’s second-largest city, partially collapsed onAugust 25th due to heavy rainfall. The dam completely collapsed the following day, unleashing a torrent of water that devastated surrounding communities.
Initial reports from the United Nations estimated that at least 30 people had died as aresult of the dam collapse, with approximately 50,000 people affected in the western region. The eastern region, however, remains inaccessible due to flooding, making it impossible to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.
Al Jazeera, citing local officials, reported that the death toll has risen to 60. The Sudan Tribune, a local newspaper, stated that the floodwaters have submerged at least 15 villages and partially destroyed 30 others. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the death toll could exceed one hundred.
The local health department is concerned about the potential for disease outbreaks in the wake of the flooding. The dam provided nearly 60% of Port Sudan’s freshwater supply, raising concerns about a potential water shortage in the area.
The Al-Abbasiya dam was one of several dams in Sudan used tostore seasonal rainfall. It had a capacity of 25 million cubic meters. The Associated Press reported that Sudan relies heavily on dams to manage its water resources.
Reuters noted that Sudan’s infrastructure, including dams, roads, and bridges, has been neglected for years. The ongoing armed conflict, which began in April2023, has exacerbated the situation, leading to the neglect of critical infrastructure maintenance.
The heavy rains that triggered the dam collapse are part of Sudan’s rainy season, which began in June. The country has been experiencing widespread flooding in recent weeks, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. According to areport from the Sudanese government on August 26th, the floods have killed over 130 people and damaged or destroyed more than 23,000 homes in the past two months.
The dam collapse is the latest tragedy to strike Sudan, which has been grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis fueledby the ongoing conflict, economic hardship, and natural disasters. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Sudan’s infrastructure and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the flooding and the ongoing conflict.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-27/10275214.shtml
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