Death From Libya’s Flood Hits 1,000.
By Caroline Ameh
Tragedy struck in Libya’s city of Derna as floods claimed the lives of more than 1,000 residents, according to a senior official from the eastern-based government.
The city, with a population of approximately 100,000, found itself submerged after two dams and four bridges gave way under the force of Storm Daniel. This devastating storm also wreaked havoc in Benghazi, Soussa, and Al-Marj.
“The number of bodies recovered in Derna is more [than] 1,000,” stated Hichem Chkiouat, the aviation minister and part of the eastern government’s emergency response committee. He added, “I am not exaggerating when I say that 25% of the city has disappeared. Many, many buildings have collapsed.”
The Red Cross reported a grim situation with up to 10,000 people recorded as missing due to the flooding. Tamer Ramadan, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Libya, noted that the death toll is likely to be “huge.” He emphasized the challenges of providing a precise number given the ongoing assessments.
The political turmoil in Libya, with two competing governments operating from Tripoli and the east since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has compounded the crisis. The lack of coordinated response and trained rescuers has hindered rescue efforts, making it even more challenging for authorities to address this natural disaster.
Despite these difficulties, international aid efforts have mobilized. The Tripoli-based administration dispatched a plane carrying 14 tonnes of medical supplies, body bags, and over 80 medical professionals.
The United States, in coordination with UN partners and Libyan authorities, pledged to provide aid to eastern Libya. Other countries such as Egypt, Germany, Iran, Italy, Qatar, and Turkey have also offered or sent aid to assist Libya in this dire situation.
