60 dead after dam fall in Sudan

At least 60 people have died following the collapse of a dam in eastern Sudan, amid torrential rains, according to report.

“Many people are still missing after the collapse of the Arbat dam, which contains a reservoir that is one of the main freshwater resources for the city of Port Sudan,” reports stated.

“Floods swept through villages close to the Arbat dam, crashing into the surrounding mountains before flowing back into the villages, causing widespread destruction,” witnesses reported.

“Hundreds of residents fled to the mountain tops to avoid the danger of flooding, while others remained trapped in the villages,” according to reports.

The dam was built in 2003 to capture rainwater for use during the dry season. However, it has not been regularly maintained for several years.