DERNA, Libya (AP) — The death toll in the coastal city of Derna, Libya, has risen to a staggering 11,300 as search efforts continue following a massive flood caused by the breaching of two dams during heavy rain, according to the Libyan Red Crescent on Thursday. Marie el-Drese, the secretary-general of the aid group, revealed that an additional 10,100 people are reported missing in Derna. Health authorities had previously estimated the death toll to be at 5,500. The storm also claimed the lives of approximately 170 individuals in other parts of the country.
The flooding in Derna occurred on Sunday night, and witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the two dams outside the city collapsed under the force of the storm. Wadi Derna, a valley that runs through the city, was quickly filled with floodwaters that destroyed buildings and swept people out to sea. An official from the World Meteorological Organization stated that most of the casualties could have been avoided if there had been a functioning meteorological service to issue warnings and carry out evacuations.
The devastating impact of the flood highlights Libya’s vulnerability, not just to natural disasters, but also to the ongoing conflict that has plagued the country since the 2011 uprising. The country’s infrastructure has been neglected due to the division between rival governments. In the case of the two dams in Derna, which were constructed in the 1970s, a report by a state-run audit agency found that they had not been properly maintained despite receiving funding for repairs.
Despite the conflict, the disaster has brought a rare moment of unity, with government agencies from different regions of Libya rushing to provide assistance. The Tobruk-based government in the east is leading relief efforts, while the Tripoli-based western government has allocated funds for reconstruction in Derna and other affected areas. Additionally, an armed group from Tripoli has sent a convoy with humanitarian aid.
In the aftermath of the flood, Derna has begun burying the dead, with most of the bodies being laid to rest in mass graves outside the city. According to the health minister of eastern Libya, more than 3,000 bodies have been buried, while another 2,000 are still being processed. However, local officials believe that the death toll could be much higher. Derna Mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi stated that the number of neighborhoods that were completely destroyed suggests that the final death toll could reach 20,000. The storm also claimed the lives of around 170 people in other parts of eastern Libya.
Efforts to reach survivors have been hindered by the extensive damage to the roads leading to Derna. The floods have displaced at least 30,000 people in Derna and several thousand more in other eastern towns. Aid and rescue teams from neighboring countries, as well as international organizations, have been providing assistance. The United Nations has issued an emergency appeal for $71.4 million to support the affected population. The International Committee of the Red Cross has supplied body bags, medical supplies, and food to the affected communities. Italy has dispatched a naval vessel with humanitarian aid and two helicopters for search and rescue operations.
As the recovery and relief efforts continue in Libya, President Joe Biden has pledged support from the United States, including monetary aid and coordination with Libyan authorities and the United Nations.
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