ISLAMABAD: The death toll in the coastal city of Derna has risen to 11,300 due to a massive flood caused by the breaching of two dams in heavy rains. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Marie el-Drese, the secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Libya, reported that another 10,100 people are missing in the Mediterranean city. Previously, health authorities had stated that the death toll in Derna was at 5,500. Additionally, about 170 people lost their lives in other parts of eastern Libya due to the storm.
Expressing concern, Mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi warns that the final casualty count could potentially reach 20,000, given the extensive devastation in numerous neighborhoods caused by the flooding.
The flooding, which occurred on Sunday night, swept away entire families in Derna and exposed the vulnerabilities of the oil-rich country that has been grappling with conflict since the 2011 uprising that ousted long-ruling dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
One survivor, who was injured in the disaster, recounted the terrifying experience of being swept away with his mother. They managed to find refuge in an empty building downstream as the water level rapidly rose, eventually reaching the fourth floor. From that vantage point, they observed the raging waters carrying away cars and bodies, enduring an ordeal that felt like an eternity.
In addition to Derna, the storm claimed the lives of approximately 170 people in other parts of eastern Libya, including Bayda, Susa, Um Razaz, and Marj, as reported by Health Minister Othman Abduljalil.
Emergency responders are still searching through the debris and mud, holding out hope of finding survivors, according to IFRC. Tamer Ramadan, the head of the organization’s rescue efforts in the North African country, emphasized the persistent hope of finding people alive amidst the devastation.
Bodies buried as search mission continues
Derna has begun burying its dead, with over 3,000 bodies already interred in mass graves and 2,000 more being processed. Rescue efforts are ongoing as many are still missing. The ICRC is distributing 6,000 body bags for dignified treatment of the deceased. Humanitarian groups urge authorities not to rush into mass burials.
Poor maintenance, bad infrastructure
Derna’s access remains limited due to damaged infrastructure, leaving 30,000 people homeless. The UN calls for a sea corridor for emergency aid and evacuations. Petteri Taalas, the UN’s representative, criticizes the lack of functioning early warning systems. Neglected dam maintenance and infrastructure issues are linked to corruption and financial mismanagement, including the illegal sale of public infrastructure for scrap metal.
