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Tragic Flooding in Libya Claims Over 2,000 Lives, Prompts International Aid Efforts
In the wake of Storm Daniel, Derna, Libya faces catastrophic flooding, leading to over 2,300 confirmed deaths and around 10,000 missing. With the nation’s divided governance hindering rescue operations, international aid becomes vital for relief and rebuilding.
Derna Devastated, Political Climate Hinders Relief
Derna, Libya – Over 2,300 people have lost their lives in the devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel, which hit Derna, Libya on Sunday, according to the ambulance authority in the city. With approximately 10,000 people still reported missing, the situation is grave and expected to worsen, says the Red Crescent.
Rescue operations have been severely impacted by the country’s fragmented governance, split between two rival administrations. Aid has begun trickling in, but substantial relief is hampered due to the political landscape of Libya.
Dam Failures Lead to Widespread Destruction
Two dams and four bridges in Derna have collapsed, leading to widespread flooding and sweeping entire neighborhoods out to sea. Water engineering experts suggest that the upper dam, around 12 km from the city, likely failed first, causing a surge of water to head downstream towards a second dam, triggering a catastrophic flood.
“A dam burst near us at midnight, and it was like a huge explosion. The water came rushing down and there was nothing we could do but try to survive,” recounted Raja Sassi, a resident who along with his family managed to escape the flood, in an interview with Reuters.
Heartbreaking Losses, Strained Infrastructure
Hisham Chkiouat, a representative from Libya’s eastern-based government, told BBC Newshour, “The destruction is unbelievable. It’s like a tsunami has hit Derna.” The authorities have been challenged in recovering the bodies of victims, as many have been swept out to sea. The only hospital in Derna is also overwhelmed, with over 700 bodies awaiting processing and no clean drinking water available in the city.
Libyan journalist Noura Eljerbi found out that her family, living in an apartment block in Derna, narrowly escaped the disaster. “Their house is destroyed, but they are alive. That’s what matters now,” she told the BBC.
International Aid Begins to Arrive
Despite the political turmoil, international aid is starting to flow. Egypt was one of the first nations to send assistance, and countries like the U.S., Germany, Iran, Italy, Qatar, and Turkey have also committed to sending aid. The government in Tripoli has dispatched a plane carrying 14 tonnes of medical supplies and more than 80 healthcare professionals.
Brian Lander, the deputy director of emergencies at the UN’s World Food Programme, mentioned that food supplies for 5,000 families have been prepared. However, Abdulkader Assad, a Libyan journalist, warns that the lack of trained rescuers and established rescue teams in the country makes the situation even more precarious.
Rebuilding and Investigation
The eastern administration has pledged 2.5 billion Libyan Dinar ($515 million) for rebuilding efforts in Derna and Benghazi. Investigations into the failure of the dams and the resulting devastation have been initiated. Libya’s leading Al-Wasat news website has pointed out that the neglect in maintaining infrastructure in Derna after years of conflict is partly to blame for the tragic events.
As international aid begins to flow, the people of Derna face the herculean task of rebuilding their lives amid the persistent challenges posed by a nation politically torn asunder.
Sources: BBC, Reuters, Al-Wasat news website, Red Crescent
Published on September 12, 2023
