At least 1,000 killed in Sudan landslide, armed group says
Emergency officials race to respond
Sudanese authorities and aid organizations are scrambling to provide emergency relief after an armed group claimed that at least 1,000 people had been killed in a landslide in the eastern province of Al-Qadarif. According to reports, the landslide occurred on Sunday night, when a mountain collapsed on a mining camp in the village of Al-Satama. The territory is historically rich in gold and has been the site of a mining boom in recent years, resulting in mountains being dug up for the precious metal. It is unclear how many people were in the camp at the time of the incident, and rescue efforts have been hindered by the challenging terrain. Local authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information that could help locate missing people.
Impact of mining on local environment
The incident has highlighted the environmental impact of unregulated mining operations, with area locals reporting several recent smaller landslides. Sudan is currently in the midst of an economic crisis, with rising inflation and a soaring cost of living. This has led to an increase in demand for gold, with the metal being a popular means of saving and trading due to its stable global price. Local communities have been protesting the expansion of mining activities, claiming it has caused environmental degradation and threatened their homes. Authorities have attempted to regulate the industry while appealing to investors to help diversify the economy.
Disputed death toll
The death toll provided by the armed group has not been verified by authorities, who have yet to comment on the incident. The group, calling itself the Red Brigade, has claimed responsibility for the landslide, alleging that it was a "direct consequence of the environmental degradation and the lack of safety measures" in the mining camp. The group claims that the landslide was intentionally triggered by a bomb planted at the site. The validity of this claim has been met with widespread skepticism from officials and experts.
International response
The incident has attracted attention from international aid organizations and governments. The United Nations, through its local agency, has provided emergency medical assistance and is assessing longer-term requirements to support the affected communities. neighboring countries, including Ethiopia, have offered humanitarian aid and specialist search-and-rescue teams to assist in the operation. The European Union has also expressed its condolences for the incident and is currently evaluating how it can best provide further assistance.
