The Harshness of Nature in Tersin
A Village Wiped Off the Map - A Natural Disaster Claims More Than a Thousand Lives
The Harshness of Nature in Tersin: A Village Wiped Off the Map -A Natural Disaster Claims More Than a Thousand Lives – Khartoum Highlight
In a tragic humanitarian disaster, landslides completely buried an entire village in Central Darfur State, within the Jebel Marra region — an area that has already endured over two decades of war and suffering. The village of Tersin, once a quiet community surviving on the resources of nature. And the resilience of its people, has now vanished from existence. For years, the community lived without the most basic government services. Left abandoned on the country’s farthest margins.
Preliminary estimates suggest that nearly 1,000 people lost their lives as a result of the landslide in Tersin. Which located in western Sudan’s Central Darfur. A statement issued by the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdul Wahid Nour faction, which controls the area. Confirmed that all the village’s inhabitants perished following the landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. The movement appealed to UN agencies to urgently intervene and assist in retrieving the bodies buried beneath the earth. Minni Arko Minnawi, head of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, described the tragedy as “a humanitarian catastrophe” and urged international organizations to provide immediate assistance.
The Jabel Marra mountain range, one of Sudan’s largest. Has witnessed repeated landslides in recent years. However, this disaster marks the deadliest toll so far. The region, under the control of armed groups for decades, remains deprived of essential infrastructure . Such as paved roads, electricity, and telecommunications.
A Village Wiped Off the Map
Dr. Badr Al-Din Ali Bashir, from the Faculty of Geography at the University of Khartoum, told Khartoum Highlight that persistent conflict and war have long obstructed geological studies of Darfur . Particularly Jebel Marra, a region rich in minerals and natural resources.
“These disasters call for urgent intervention and detailed studies to identify volcanically active areas. The geological composition of the mountains, and the climatic records of the region,” he explained. “Given the volcanic nature of Jebel Marra, combined with fertile volcanic soils and the presence of fault lines between geological plates, heavy rainfall often leads to landslides. Such events can recur annually under these conditions.” Bashir did not rule out human activities, such as mining. As contributing factors to the instability of the terrain.
Reactions
The Federal Democratic Gathering Party expressed its deep sorrow over the tragedy that struck Tersin on Sunday, August 31. It voiced solidarity with the victims’ families, holding the Sudanese government responsible for failing to implement preventive measures to protect civilians. Similarly, the National Umma Party called on its members and all Sudanese citizens to support the affected communities. Offering condolences and solidarity to the people of Jabel Marra. Since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the latter has seized control over most of Darfur. While areas of Jabel Marra have remained under Abdul Wahid Nour ’s faction. Nour himself warned of “further potential disasters” in Jabel Marra and appealed to regional and international organizations to intervene swiftly to save thousands still at risk.
Newly appointed Prime Minister Mohamed Hassan Al-Ta’ishi also mourned the victims of the Tersin landslide. Stressing that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for solidarity and collective action to save lives and reduce suffering. He revealed that his government had immediately engaged with the Sudan Liberation Movement to coordinate relief efforts. Dispatching a comprehensive aid convoy carrying food, medicine, clean water, tents, and shelter supplies. A joint committee with international and national organizations is also being formed to ensure assistance reaches affected communities as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Civil Democratic Alliance of the Forces of the Revolution (SOMOUD) extended condolences to the victims’ families . Called on humanitarian and international organizations to intervene urgently — both to recover the bodies and to relocate residents from high-risk areas to safer ground.
