The devastating floods caused by storm Daniel in eastern Libya have left a trail of destruction, with entire neighborhoods swept away and homes wrecked in many coastal towns. The true extent of the disaster is still unfolding, with fears that up to 2,000 people may have lost their lives. The Libyan government has declared Derna, one of the worst-affected cities, a disaster zone.
The city’s infrastructure is crumbling, and the lack of investment in the country’s roads and public services has exacerbated the disaster. The rival governments in the East and west, each backed by militias and foreign governments, have failed to provide adequate support to the people.
The situation in Derna is catastrophic, with no electricity or communication available. The city’s main hospital is overwhelmed with injured people, and many are believed to have been carried away by the floodwaters. The local media has reported that thousands of people are missing, with some feared to have been swept out to sea.
The Libyan Red Crescent has lost contact with one of its workers who was attempting to help a trapped family in Bayda. The organization has expressed concerns that dozens of others may have died in the floods. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Libya has called on local, national, and international partners to join hands to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people in eastern Libya.
Turbulent Floodwaters Devastate Libya’s East
Foreign governments have also expressed their support, with the United Arab Emirates announcing that it will send humanitarian assistance and search-and-rescue teams to eastern Libya. Turkey, which supports the country’s Tripoli-based government in the west, has also expressed condolences.
The floodwaters are expected to continue causing damage and evacuation in parts of west Egypt, with the country’s meteorological authorities warning about possible rain and bad weather. The people of eastern Libya are bracing themselves for a long and difficult recovery process, as they struggle to cope with the devastating aftermath of the storm.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is urged to provide support to the affected population. The Libyan government has announced three days of mourning, and flags across the country will be lowered to half-staff. The people of Libya are in need of immediate assistance, and the world must come together to provide aid and support in this time of crisis.
