Over 5,000 people have been killed in the eastern Libyan city of Derna due to severe flooding caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel. The death toll is expected to rise even further as authorities struggle to provide aid to the city. Thousands of residents are still missing, and tens of thousands have been left homeless.
Aid workers who managed to reach Derna described a scene of devastation, with search and rescue teams searching through shattered buildings and retrieving bodies from the water. The storm caused the dams outside the city to collapse, sending floodwaters rushing through the city’s streets and into the sea. Waves as high as 23 feet submerged the city, destroying everything in their path.
Derna, situated on a narrow coastal plain under steep mountains, has limited access routes due to the collapsed bridges and damaged roads. Aid teams have been using alternate routes through the mountains, but the damage to infrastructure has made it challenging to provide the necessary support.
Ossama Ali, a spokesman for the Ambulance and Emergency Center in eastern Libya, reported over 5,100 deaths in Derna alone, with more than 7,000 people injured. The number of fatalities is expected to increase as the search and rescue teams continue to recover bodies.
The United Nations migration agency has stated that at least 30,000 people in Derna have been displaced by the flooding. The destruction is so extensive that humanitarian aid workers are struggling to reach the city. The storm’s intensity and Libya’s vulnerable infrastructure have contributed to the severity of the disaster.
Rescue teams and humanitarian aid from neighboring countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, have been assisting Libya in the relief efforts. The United States has also pledged emergency funds to relief organizations and is coordinating with Libyan authorities and the UN to provide additional support.
The flooding in Derna has had a significant impact on neighboring countries as well. The Medical Center of Tobruk’s morgue received more than 300 bodies, including 84 Egyptians. Many bodies have been returned to their home countries for burial.
At least 10,000 people are still missing in Derna, and approximately 40,000 people have been displaced in the city and other affected towns in eastern Libya. The situation remains dire, with limited access for humanitarian aid and ongoing search and rescue operations.
Derna, known for its white-painted houses and palm gardens, is under the control of military commander Khalifa Hifter. The country’s division into rival governments has led to neglect of infrastructure in many areas, making them more vulnerable to natural disasters.
As the search and recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on providing immediate aid to the affected population and rebuilding the infrastructure necessary for long-term recovery. The scale of the devastation and loss of life in Derna reflects the urgent need for support and assistance from the international community.
