At least 1,000 people have been killed in a landslide that struck the remote village of Tarasin in Sudan’s Marra Mountains, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army. The rebel group said in a statement that the disaster occurred on August 31 after days of heavy rainfall and left only one survivor.
The movement, which controls the affected area, urged the United Nations and aid agencies for assistance in retrieving the bodies. Many of the victims were people who had fled fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and had sought refuge in the mountains.
Landslides often occur in areas that are considered geologically vulnerable. Steep slopes and heavy rain are two major contributing factors to landslides, but there are other factors at play. From rock types to seismic activity, there are geological complexities that may increase the probability of a landslide occurring, but new research also points to human activity and climate as contributing variables.
In this gallery, we highlight some of history's most shocking landslides. Curious to know more about them? Click on to find out.