Eastern Libya's city of Derna has been hit by a catastrophic flood following a heavy storm, resulting in at least 2,000 fatalities, with thousands more individuals unaccounted for, Reuters reported. Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA), which controls the region, disclosed that the flood disaster was triggered by the collapse of dams located above Derna. He described the incident as sweeping entire neighborhoods, along with their residents, into the sea. Furthermore, Mismari estimated that the number of missing persons ranges from 5,000 to 6,000.
Earlier reports by the head of the Red Crescent aid group in the area indicated a death toll of 150, with expectations that the figure would rise to 250, though Reuters was unable to immediately confirm either statistic. Libya, plagued by political divisions between eastern and western regions, has witnessed a deterioration of public services since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, which led to years of conflict. Notably, the internationally recognized government based in Tripoli does not exert control over eastern areas.
In response to the catastrophe, the Presidential Council, which functions as the head of state in the divided nation, issued an appeal for assistance from the international community, stating,
"We call on brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations to provide assistance."
Osama Hamad, the head of an eastern-based administration parallel to the central government, reported that over 2,000 people have lost their lives, with thousands more missing. Storm Daniel, following its impact on Greece the previous week, swept across the Mediterranean on Sunday, inundating roads, causing structural damage in Derna, and affecting other coastal settlements, including Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city.
Videos depicting the situation in Derna show a broad torrent coursing through the city center, where a much narrower watercourse once existed. Ruined buildings now flank the floodwaters. Furthermore, individuals were seen stranded on the roofs of their vehicles, pleading for assistance, while others watched as their cars were washed away by the rising waters. According to Hamad, the missing population numbers in the thousands, with over 2,000 confirmed deaths. He lamented the loss of entire neighborhoods in Derna, along with their inhabitants, who were swept away by the deluge.
Witnesses on the scene indicated that the water level reached a height of three meters (approximately 10 feet). To the west of Derna, footage depicted a collapsed road linking the port town of Sousse with Shahat, the site of the Greek-founded and UNESCO-listed archaeological location Cyrene.
Following the disaster, Libya's eastern-based parliament declared three days of mourning. Meanwhile, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, the Prime Minister of the interim government based in Tripoli, also declared three days of mourning across the affected cities, designating them as "disaster areas."
In response to the flooding, four major oil ports in Libya—Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega, and Es Sidra—were closed for three days, according to oil engineers. Search-and-rescue operations were underway, and authorities declared a state of extreme emergency, prompting school and store closures and a curfew.
In Tripoli, the interim government instructed all state agencies to "immediately deal" with the damage and flooding in eastern cities, although the administration lacks authority in the eastern regions. Nonetheless, Dbeibah's government closely collaborates with the Central Bank of Libya, which disburses funds to government departments throughout the country.
The United Nations in Libya is closely monitoring the storm's impact and has pledged to
"provide urgent relief assistance in support of response efforts at local and national levels."
Additionally, Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, directed the government to send aid to the affected area in eastern Libya, as reported by Qatar's state news agency.
Earlier Daryo reported that a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 in central Morocco has resulted in more than 2,000 fatalities, widespread devastation, and has prompted international support and immediate relief endeavors.
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