At least 60 people have died following the collapse of the Arbat dam in war-torn Sudan, triggered by heavy rainfall. Rescue operations are ongoing, though the death toll is feared to rise. The dam, with a capacity of 25 million cubic meters, was a crucial source of drinking water for Port Sudan, where the military government is based.

After 16 months of civil war, Sudan is now facing torrential rains and flooding, which have killed dozens and displaced tens of thousands. The dam’s collapse in Red Sea state devastated farms and villages downstream, with entire areas washed away. Local residents recounted harrowing stories of being trapped in vehicles and losing their homes to the floodwaters.

Additionally, the heavy rains damaged a major fibre-optic cable, causing a widespread communication outage across the country. Rescue efforts are underway, with the air force working to save those trapped after seeking shelter in the mountains.

Army chief Abdul-Fattah al-Burhan visited the flood-hit areas, while the military urged federal and state agencies to provide urgent support. Sudan, already ravaged by war since last April, is now grappling with worsening food shortages exacerbated by the floods, further deepening the country’s crisis.

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