Floods Devastate Libyan City: Massive Recovery Efforts Underway as Rescues Continue
Residents of Derna, a coastal city in eastern Libya, are grappling with the extensive damage caused by a devastating flood. As the search for missing individuals enters its sixth day, the death toll continues to rise, with more bodies being recovered from the sea.
The once bustling Central Street, a hub of economic activity in Derna, now lies deserted, its shops abandoned. The sound of the wind whistling past destroyed buildings is the only noise permeating the area. A few distraught individuals can be seen sitting in the road, sipping coffee as they survey the wreckage.
Amidst the ruins, grieving 44-year-old teacher Tarek Faheem al-Hasadi, whose wife and five young grandchildren lost their lives in the flood, expresses his concern for the daunting recovery process. Standing guard in front of his destroyed home, tears streaming down his face, he fears that the support currently being offered will only be temporary. However, he remains determined not to abandon his ravaged community.
Hasadi recounts the sheer force of the floodwaters, describing how a three-story building located opposite his home was swept 60 meters down the road. The scale of destruction is immense.
At Derna’s seafront, where abandoned cars rest atop concrete storm breakers and debris litters the muddy pools, rescue teams work tirelessly to clear the way for their operations. Meanwhile, a helicopter scans the sea, searching for more bodies.
The flood, triggered by the collapse of two dams south of the city on Sunday night, resulted in entire districts of Derna, which is home to an estimated population of at least 120,000, being swept away or buried under mud.
According to the International Organization for Migration mission in Libya, the flood claimed over 5,000 lives, with 3,922 deaths registered in hospitals. Additionally, approximately 38,640 people have been displaced in the flood-stricken region.
Tragically, officials fear that the actual death toll may be far higher than reported. The situation is described as very, very tragic by Qais, a rescue worker from Tunisia stationed at the seafront. The extent of the water-induced damage is unparalleled.
Over the past three days, more than 450 bodies, including 10 recovered from beneath the rubble, have been found on the seashore. However, the search and recovery operation remains arduous and complex, as stated by Kamal Al-Siwi, the official in charge of missing persons. He believes that the process will require months, if not years, to complete.
In response to the crisis, the World Health Organization has airlifted emergency aid to assist nearly 250,000 individuals affected by the storm, including essential medical supplies, surgery equipment, and body bags for those who have lost their lives. Saudi Arabia and Russia have also dispatched aid flights, with Russia’s third flight carrying a mobile hospital. Italy, through its naval ship, has brought much-needed supplies such as tents, blankets, water pumps, and tractors.
Notably, the United Nations reports that more than 1,000 people have been laid to rest in mass graves, raising concerns among aid organizations about potential water contamination and psychological distress faced by families of the deceased.
Hayder Al-Sayah, the head of Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control, reassures the public that there is minimal risk of disease transmission from the deceased unless they were carrying infections. However, cases of diarrhea have surged in the area due to contaminated water sources, with 150 recorded cases, up from 55 on Friday.
As Libya battles the aftermath of this catastrophic flood, the road to recovery remains long and uncertain. The resilience and determination of the affected residents, coupled with international support, will be crucial in rebuilding the shattered city of Derna.
