Deadly Storm in Eastern Libyan City Leaves 150 Dead, Death Toll Expected to Rise to 250
A powerful storm and heavy floods have wreaked havoc on the eastern Libyan city of Derna, claiming the lives of at least 150 people. According to Kais Fhakeri, the head of the Red Crescent in Benghazi, the death toll is expected to rise to 250 as search-and-rescue operations continue. The situation has been described as catastrophic and the footage circulating on social media is a testament to the severity of the disaster.
The storm, named Daniel, struck several cities including Benghazi, Sousse, Al Bayda, Al-Marj, and Derna. Social media posts show individuals stranded on the roofs of their vehicles as floodwaters engulfed the streets. Buildings collapsed under the torrential rains, leading to numerous casualties. Saleh al-Obaidi, a Derna resident, recounted how people were awaken by the floodwaters surrounding their homes, leaving them trapped. Ahmed Mohamed, another resident, shared similar experiences of being besieged by water when they woke up.
In addition to the civilian casualties, seven members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) are reported missing. The LNA, led by Khalifa Haftar, controls the eastern part of Libya. The floods resulted in the destruction of vehicles and infrastructure, as shown in footage broadcast by eastern Libya’s Almostkbal TV, which captured a collapsed road linking Sousse and Shahat, where the ancient archaeological site Cyrene is located.
In response to the crisis, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, has directed his government to send aid to the affected regions in eastern Libya. The eastern-based parliament in Libya has declared three days of mourning, while the interim government in Tripoli has also announced the same for all affected cities, designating them as disaster areas. However, the Tripoli government has limited influence in the east.
The impact of the storm has extended beyond loss of life and infrastructure damage. Four major oil ports in Libya, Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega, and Es Sidra, were closed for three days, causing disruptions in oil production. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have declared a state of extreme emergency. Schools and stores have been closed, and a curfew has been imposed in the affected areas.
The government of Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, recognized by the Central Bank of Libya, has urged all state agencies to promptly address the damage caused by the floods. The United Nations in Libya has expressed its concern over the situation and has pledged to provide urgent relief assistance at the local and national levels.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of this deadly storm, it is clear that immediate support is needed to aid in the recovery efforts. The repercussions of such a disaster extend far beyond the loss of life and demand a collaborative response from both regional and international actors.
