In the wake of the devastating flood that struck eastern Libya, the world is joining hands to assist the wrecked nation as fears mount that the death toll in the city of Derna alone could reach a staggering 20,000.
The catastrophe, which unfolded after torrential rains from Storm Daniel, has left thousands dead, many missing, and tens of thousands displaced. The disaster came on the heels of a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco, claiming nearly 3,000 lives.
Military transport aircraft from Middle Eastern and European nations, along with ships, have been deployed to deliver essential aid to Libya, a country already scarred by years of conflict. The flash flood, which bore a striking resemblance to a tsunami, was triggered when two upstream dams burst under the relentless rain.
The immense wall of water tore through Derna, wiping out buildings, vehicles, and the unfortunate souls within. Some were swept into the unforgiving sea, their lifeless bodies later washing ashore amidst the debris and wreckage.
Though the official death tolls in Libya have varied, they all count in the thousands, with approximately 10,000 individuals reported missing according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Hichem Abu Chkiouat, the minister of civil aviation for eastern Libya, indicated that over 5,300 casualties have been counted so far, and this number is expected to rise significantly.
The “sea is constantly dumping dozens of bodies”, he said by phone.
Tariq Kharaz, a spokesperson for the eastern authorities, reported the recovery of 3,200 bodies, of which 1,100 remain unidentified.
Derna’s Mayor, Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, expressed grim expectations, suggesting that the death toll in the city could reach 18,000 to 20,000 based on the extent of destruction across districts.
The waves in Derna surged as high as 7 meters (23 feet), leaving residents like Mohammed Derna shocked as they watched the deluge from their rooftops, helpless as women and children were carried away by the raging waters.
Relief Efforts
In response to this tragedy, the United Nations has pledged $10 million to aid Libya’s survivors, with at least 30,000 residents in Derna left homeless. Aid workers face monumental challenges, as roads are obstructed, destroyed, and flooded. Power outages and communication disruptions further compound the difficulties.
Several nations have stepped up to provide support. Britain is sending an initial aid package worth up to £1 million, focusing on shelter, healthcare, and sanitation.
Egypt‘s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered the establishment of shelter camps for Libyan survivors, and France is dispatching rescuers, health supplies, and a field hospital.
Turkey pledged additional assistance by ship, including two field hospitals, while Italy is sending a naval vessel to provide logistical and medical support.
The European Union is also contributing, with aid from Germany, Romania, and Finland en route. Algeria, Qatar, and Tunisia have made pledges of assistance, and the United Arab Emirates has dispatched two planes carrying 150 tonnes of aid, with another 40 tonnes on its way via Kuwaiti flight.