Deadly Flood Devastates Libyan City as Thousands Missing in Storm Chaos
A deadly flood caused by torrential rains and Storm Daniel has left a trail of devastation in the eastern Libyan city of Derna. The storm, which occurred on September 10, led to the bursting of two dams and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. The consequences have been devastating, with thousands of people missing and an official death toll of more than 3,300. However, international aid groups estimate that the eventual count of missing individuals could be as high as 10,000.
Ali al-Mismari, a 60-year-old tugboat captain, vividly recalls the chaotic night when the storm wreaked havoc on the city. Initially, he planned to take his boat, the Irasa, out of the harbor to safeguard his crew and protect the vessel from potential damage. However, due to the rapidly rising water levels and the lack of visibility, he found himself unable to navigate a safe exit. The situation became desperate, and all he could do was pray.
The following morning, the true extent of the devastation became apparent. Mismari was met with a grim sight as he discovered that the flash flood had swept massive trucks, car tyres, people, houses, entire palm trees, heaters, washing machines, and refrigerators into the harbor. In response to the catastrophe, local and foreign teams, including Mismari’s Irasa, were enlisted to clear the harbor’s bottom.
Working diligently, divers have been combing through the murky water, filled with mud carried by the flood, to locate submerged objects. The search has primarily focused on finding cars that may still contain people trapped inside. The challenging conditions, including virtually zero visibility, have made the task even more daunting. However, the efforts continue, with teams employing boats, jet skis, and a crane to remove the wreckage from the water.
Beyond the harbor, rescue teams are expanding their search into the sea, as it is believed that many bodies may have been carried eastward by the current. The salinity of the water is expected to aid in the preservation of bodies, facilitating the identification process.
Survivors of the flood recount harrowing experiences. Captain Mismari’s team managed to rescue a naked woman who had been floating inside a refrigerator, and she desperately inquired about her sister’s whereabouts. Another survivor, an Egyptian man, could not recall how he ended up in the harbor, suggesting that he may have been unconscious during the incident.
The cleanup and recovery process in Derna’s devastated harbor is expected to be arduous and time-consuming. Meanwhile, locals have largely abandoned the seafront, and only a handful of vessels, including the Irasa, remain. The people of Derna mourn the loss of thousands of lives, and international aid continues to pour in to assist in the search, rescue, and rebuilding efforts.
As authorities and volunteers work relentlessly to bring relief to this shattered city, it is a stark reminder of the devastating power of nature and the resilience required to rebuild communities in the face of such catastrophic events.
