Devastating Floods in Libyan City of Derna: 11,300 Dead and 10,100 Missing, Aid Efforts Underway
In the aftermath of the devastating floods triggered by Storm Daniel in Libya’s eastern city of Derna, a desperate search for missing individuals persists, with bodies still being discovered along its shores and buried beneath debris, even a week after the calamity struck, according to Al Jazeera.
The United Nations released a report on Sunday, revealing that the death toll in Derna alone had tragically risen to 11,300. Additionally, the report highlighted that 10,100 people were currently missing in the heavily affected city. These figures are expected to increase in the coming days and weeks as search-and-rescue teams tirelessly work to locate survivors, as stated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) citing the Libyan Red Crescent.
Following the disaster, international aid has started to trickle into the region. The UN and various countries from Europe and the Middle East have offered assistance to survivors, including the 40,000 people who have been displaced. Crucial supplies such as medicines, food, tents, blankets, and hygiene kits are being provided. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to aid in debris removal, along with body bags to facilitate the respectful handling of the deceased.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly on Derna’s seafront to clear the way for further relief efforts. Helicopters are scanning the sea for bodies, while diggers are striving to remove obstacles obstructing rescue operations.
The devastating flooding in Derna was exacerbated by the poor infrastructure in Libya, a nation that has faced turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011. This uprising led to the toppling and death of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Entire districts in Derna, which has an estimated population of at least 120,000, were swept away or buried in brown mud after two dams south of the city broke, releasing torrents of floodwater down a usually dry riverbed.
A resident of Derna, Khalid, shared his experience, stating, We were all taken by surprise. We never expected such a catastrophe. I lost my young daughter. May God accept her and have mercy… we are helpless. God almighty is our rock, according to Al Jazeera.
In response to the disaster, the UN’s humanitarian affairs office has appealed for USD 71 million to aid those affected. The World Health Organization has also taken action, flying in emergency aid to reach nearly 250,000 people in eastern Libya, providing essential medicines, surgery supplies, and body bags.
Several countries have contributed aid flights, including mobile hospitals. Saudi Arabia and Russia have offered their assistance, while an Italian naval ship arrived in Derna with supplies such as tents, blankets, water pumps, and tractors.
However, the mass graves holding over 1,000 individuals have raised concerns about the potential contamination of water sources and the emotional distress experienced by the families of the deceased. Nevertheless, the head of Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control, Hayder al-Sayah, has stated that the risk from corpses is minimal unless they carry diseases.
Unfortunately, the consumption of polluted water has led to an increase in recorded cases of diarrhoea. Al Jazeera reported that 150 cases have been reported, up from 55 on Friday.
The devastating floods in Derna have highlighted the urgent need for international aid and support. With thousands dead and missing, the focus is now on rescue operations, providing essential supplies, and helping the affected individuals rebuild their lives after this catastrophic event.
