DERNA, Libya (AP) — In the wake of a devastating flash flood that claimed the lives of over 5,100 people, search teams in the coastal Libyan city of Derna are tirelessly working to locate bodies. The collapse of two dams during a recent storm caused the flood, which completely destroyed much of the city and left thousands missing and tens of thousands homeless. Aid workers who managed to reach Derna have described the scene as one of utter devastation, with bodies scattered throughout the streets, homes, and even the sea.
The storm, named Daniel, unleashed torrential rain and caused severe flooding in many towns in eastern Libya. However, Derna was hit the hardest. The collapse of the two dams in the mountains above the city resulted in a massive surge of floodwaters that swept through the city center, demolishing entire blocks. Up to 25% of the city has vanished under the floodwaters, according to emergency officials.
During the deluge, waves reached heights of up to 7 meters (23 feet), adding to the destruction. Those who witnessed the flood from safe vantage points were stunned by the sheer volume of water rushing by, with some comparing it to a scene from a Hollywood horror movie. Derna, situated on a narrow coastal plain nestled beneath steep mountains, now has only two usable access roads, both of which wind their way through the mountains. Collapsed bridges further impede movement within the city.
Search and rescue teams are combing through the ruins of apartment buildings and retrieving bodies from the Mediterranean Sea. The death toll in Derna currently stands at over 5,100, with around 100 additional deaths recorded in other parts of eastern Libya. However, these figures are expected to rise as recovery efforts continue and more bodies are discovered. At least 9,000 people remain missing, although this number may decrease as communication is restored.
In addition to the human toll, more than 30,000 residents of Derna have been displaced by the flood, prompting the UN’s International Organization for Migration to provide assistance. The storm also caused significant damage in other areas of eastern Libya, including the towns of Bayda, Susa, and Marj.
The catastrophic effects of the flash flood highlight both the intensity of the storm and Libya’s vulnerability. Divided by rival governments, the country has neglected its infrastructure in many areas. International aid has begun to arrive in Benghazi, with neighboring countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia, as well as Turkey, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates, sending rescue teams and aid. The United States has also pledged financial support and assistance to relief organizations. Despite ongoing conflict, nearby towns have been helping with the recovery effort by providing morgue facilities to accommodate the large number of bodies.
As the search for victims continues, families and communities are mourning the loss of their loved ones. One village in Egypt, el-Sharif, has suffered the loss of more than 70 of its residents. Mass funerals have been held for these victims, while others have been buried in towns across the region. The tragedy has also affected foreign residents, such as a Palestinian family who had lived in Derna for decades. They were among the casualties, and their family in Lebanon was unable to hold a gathering to receive condolences due to ongoing violence in their refugee camp.
Derna, approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of Tripoli, is under the control of military commander Khalifa Hifter and his forces, who are allied with the eastern Libyan government. The rival government in western Libya, based in Tripoli, has alliances with other armed groups. Derna was once a stronghold for extremist organizations during the chaotic years following the ousting and death of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
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