More than 10000 missing and over 2000 dead in libya flooding

In the wake of the devastating Storm Daniel, Libya finds itself grappling with unprecedented destruction. This merciless tempest, which swept through the Mediterranean, left the coastal city of Derna in ruins, taking a staggering toll on its residents. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reports that the death toll has surpassed 2,000, while over 20,000 individuals now find themselves displaced, with their homes and essential possessions obliterated.

Tragically, more than 1,000 bodies have already been discovered, and up to a quarter of Derna lies in shambles due to the relentless floodwaters that razed buildings to the ground. With thousands still unaccounted for, the grim expectation is that the death toll will continue to climb. A harrowing estimate from the IRC suggests that in Derna alone, approximately 6,000 people are feared missing.

Survivors recount horrifying scenes of streets strewn with lifeless bodies as they clung to rooftops, desperately seeking refuge from the raging torrents. Nouriya al-Hasadi, 31, and her husband, Raja Sassi, 39, held onto their daughter while mourning the loss of several relatives to the unforgiving waters.

The once vibrant city of Derna, Libya, home to around 125,000 residents, now lies unrecognizable, with overturned vehicles, fallen trees, and inundated houses. A catastrophic dam collapse upstream only exacerbated the disaster, unleashing a powerful deluge upon the city’s heart.

Hichem Abu Chkiouat, minister of civil aviation and a member of the emergency committee in the eastern administration of Libya, paints a dire picture, describing apocalyptic scenes with bodies scattered everywhere. He reveals that more than 1,000 bodies have been recovered, and approximately 25% of the city has vanished under the force of nature’s fury.

The tragedy in Libya is further compounded by the nation’s ongoing political turmoil, hindering swift disaster response. With two separate governments operating in Tripoli and the east, coordination efforts have been hampered, leaving the affected populace in dire need.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, there’s hope on the horizon. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and other NGOs are committed to conducting a joint needs assessment and expanding their services to aid those affected by the floods. International attention and assistance, as well as a concerted effort toward climate action, are urgently required to address the deteriorating situation in Libya, a region already burdened by years of conflict and instability.

Amidst the chaos and devastation, the people of Libya are pleading for help, and several nations, including Egypt, Germany, Iran, Italy, Qatar, and Turkey, have pledged their support. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with global solidarity and swift action, we can begin to rebuild the shattered lives of those affected by this catastrophic natural disaster.