Catholic Bishop in South Sudan Condoles with Victims after Landslide Wipes Out Sudanese Village

The report by Reuters indicated that only one person survived the landslide.

In the September 3 letter, Bishop Hiiboro says, “The people of Tarasin, many of whom were already displaced by war and hunger, sought refuge in the Marrah Mountains. And yet, nature itself turned violent, adding to a cycle of suffering that no people should have to endure.”

“Their memory must not be buried with the rocks. Their story must not fade into silence. Tarasin must be remembered not only as a place that once was, but as a call to conscience for us all,” the Local Ordinary of CDTY says.

He notes that the disaster was not solely “natural” in cause, but rather a consequence of a larger, preventable crisis.

The landslide, he says, “was compounded by environmental degradation, the chaos of war, and the world’s neglect of Sudan's humanitarian crisis.”

“We must study this tragedy not only with hearts that grieve but with minds that seek to understand, prevent, and protect,” the Catholic Church leader says.

Bishop Hiiboro further says, “Now, more than ever, we must encourage all people of faith to stand together across boundaries of religion and region to respond to climate-related disasters, to advocate for peace, and to care for creation as stewards of God’s earth.”

“I offer my unwavering support, prayers, and commitment to amplify your voices and your needs,” the South Sudanese Catholic Bishop says in his letter, and adds, “May your faith never falter, your hands find strength, and your spirit rise above the dust. You have our prayer support.”

In an interview expanding on his written message, Bishop Hiiboro described his emotional reaction to hearing the news.

“When I first heard of the landslide in Tarasin, I was overcome by a profound grief,” he said, adding, “The idea of an entire village being wiped from the face of the earth is a tragedy almost beyond comprehension. But alongside sorrow came a deep sense of urgency—a moral and spiritual obligation to act.”

The South Sudanese Bishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in June 2008 said the disaster “has both immediate and long-term consequences.”

“For the families, the pain is unbearable. Many had already lost everything due to conflict and displacement. This is not just a landslide, it is a compounding of trauma upon trauma,” Bishop Hiiboro said.

He said the tragedy highlights Sudan’s vulnerability to environmental disasters, worsened by deforestation, poor infrastructure, and climate change.

The tragedy, Bishop Hiiboro said, also reveals the desperate need for governance structures that can respond swiftly, equitably, and compassionately to such emergencies.

He went on to reflect on the role of the Church in such a crisis, saying, “The Church has always stood with the people not only in spiritual solidarity but in practical action. Even in the most remote and war-torn regions, Church personnel are among the first to respond, bringing food, medical care, shelter, and pastoral support.”

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“In this latest tragedy, Church networks, despite limited access, are working to raise awareness, organize relief, and reach the survivors. The Church also plays a crucial role in advocacy, calling on international partners not to forget Sudan and to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance,” he added.

Bishop Hiiboro warned that the Tarasin landslide is part of a larger pattern of environmental and humanitarian crises in Sudan.

“This is not an isolated incident. Sudan is increasingly prone to natural disasters, especially floods and landslides, exacerbated by deforestation, erratic weather patterns, and climate change,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of CDTY further said, “The Marrah Mountains, while offering refuge, are geologically unstable during heavy rains. What we are witnessing is the intersection of environmental vulnerability, displacement, and neglect.”

“This should be a wake-up call not just for Sudan, but for the world to address environmental justice and climate resilience as urgent moral imperatives,” he emphasized.

On September 2, Pope Leo XIV expressed his spiritual solidarity with all persons affected by the August 31 landslide.

At his weekly General Audience on September 3, the Holy Father appealed to the international community to provide humanitarian aid for the suffering people of Sudan.

“Dramatic news is coming from Sudan, in particular from Darfur. In El Fasher, many civilians have been trapped in the city, victims of famine and violence. In Tarasin, a devastating mudslide has claimed many lives, leaving pain and desperation in its wake. And, as if that were not enough, the spread of cholera is threatening hundreds of thousands of already stricken people,” the Holy Father said.

He added, “I am closer than ever to the Sudanese population, in particular families, children, and the displaced.”

“I pray for all the victims. I make a heartfelt appeal to leaders and the international community to ensure humanitarian corridors and implement a coordinated response to halt this humanitarian catastrophe. It is time to initiate a serious, sincere, and inclusive dialogue between the parties to end the conflict and restore hope, dignity, and peace to the people of Sudan,” the Holy Father said.