Flood has caused immense destruction in the city of Derna, Libya, with at least 2,300 people losing their lives, and many more are feared dead.
The situation is dire, and several nations are stepping up to offer assistance to this war-torn country facing what the United Nations has called “a major disaster.”
Derna, a city along the Mediterranean coast with a population of around 100,000, was hit hard by this catastrophe.
The floods resulted in the collapse of multi-story buildings near the river, and homes and cars were swept away by the powerful waters.
The emergency services from the internationally recognized government in the western part of Libya initially reported the death toll in Derna, but it is believed that over 5,000 people are still missing, and around 7,000 have been injured.
However, the rival government in eastern Libya suggests that “thousands” more may have perished, and the final death toll could exceed 10,000.
These devastating floods were triggered by heavy rains from Storm Daniel, which had previously affected Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey before reaching Libya.
Derna, located 250 kilometers (150 miles) east of Benghazi, saw normally dry riverbeds turn into raging torrents of muddy water that even swept away several major bridges.
Tamer Ramadan from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated that the death toll is expected to be high, possibly reaching thousands, and added that 10,000 people are still unaccounted for.
In addition to Derna, the Norwegian Refugee Council reported that entire villages in eastern Libya were overwhelmed by the floods, with the death toll continuing to rise.
This disaster will further strain the already challenging situation for communities in Libya, which have faced years of conflict, poverty, and displacement.
Libyan television broadcasted distressing images of bodies wrapped in blankets or sheets in Derna’s main square, waiting for identification and burial.
More bodies were found in Martouba village to the southeast.
While over 300 victims were laid to rest on Monday, many more are feared lost in the river that flows into the Mediterranean.
The storm also impacted Benghazi and the hill district of Jabal al-Akhdar, causing flooding, mudslides, and significant damage throughout the region, including overturned vehicles.
The National Oil Corporation in Libya, which operates mainly in the east, declared a state of maximum alert and suspended flights between production sites due to reduced activity.
Libya, an oil-rich nation, is still recovering from the years of turmoil following the 2011 uprising that led to the ousting and death of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
The country remains divided between two rival governments, one based in Tripoli, recognized by the UN, and another in the east.
Access to the eastern region is limited, with communication links severed.
Prime Minister Oussama Hamad of the eastern administration reported “more than 2,000 dead and thousands missing” in Derna alone, describing the situation as “catastrophic” and calling for national and international intervention.
Libya’s UN-backed government declared three days of national mourning and emphasized “the unity of all Libyans.”
Aid convoys from Tripoli are on their way to the east, along with two ambulance planes, a helicopter, rescue teams, search dogs, 87 doctors, and technicians to restore power.
Turkey has sent rescue teams to eastern Libya, and several countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Italy, Qatar, and Tunisia, have offered to provide aid.
The United States and Russia have also expressed condolences and pledged support.
The international community is joining hands to assist Libya during this challenging time.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended heartfelt condolences to the Libyan authorities and families affected by Storm Daniel.
The road to recovery will be long, but with global solidarity and assistance, Libya can rebuild and heal from this devastating disaster.