A dam burst in eastern Sudan, triggered by torrential rains, has devastated at least 20 villages and killed at least 30 people, with many more likely dead, according to the United Nations.

The flooding, which occurred 40 km north of Port Sudan, destroyed infrastructure and left about 50,000 people affected.

The Arbaat Dam, a critical water source for Port Sudan, was overwhelmed, leaving the city, which hosts the country’s main port and airport, at risk of severe water shortages, Reuters has reported.

Up to 200 people are missing, and the region, already strained by months of civil war, faces further devastation.

Written by B.C. Begley