Eastern Libya devastated by catastrophic floods, thousands affected by the natural disaster

Eastern Libya has been hit by a devastating flood, resulting from heavy rainfall caused by Storm Daniel. The aftermath of this catastrophe has been tragic, with more than 5,000 people losing their lives, according to government and hospital sources. Additionally, approximately 10,000 individuals are still unaccounted for, as reported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Impact on Derna

The city of Derna in northeastern Libya bore the brunt of this disaster, where entire neighborhoods were swept away into the sea, as explained by a spokesperson from the Libyan National Army. This calamity has left more than 30,000 people displaced in Derna, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration in Libya.

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Recovery and rescue efforts

Emergency teams are tirelessly working to locate survivors and recover the bodies of those who lost their lives during this massive flood. Eyewitness videos shared on social media showcase the extent of the devastation, with collapsed buildings and cars amidst the wreckage of destroyed infrastructure.

Satellite images reveal destruction

Satellite images vividly display the destruction in the coastal city of Derna, which bore the brunt of the flood. Buildings have been engulfed by water and sand, and the city's shores have suffered significant erosion. The situation in eastern Libya is dire, and the country faces a monumental task in recovering from this catastrophic flood and supporting those affected by this tragedy.

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Human toll and search

As of Wednesday morning local time, more than 6,000 individuals have tragically lost their lives, according to Saadeddin Abdul Wakil, the health ministry undersecretary of the Unity Government in Tripoli, one of the two rival governments operating in Libya. Local rescue teams continue their search for the missing, with the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya stating that over 30,000 people have been displaced due to this catastrophe.