Devastating Floods Claim 11,300 Lives: Mayor Fears Grim Prospect of One-fifth of Libya Town’s Demise

Sept. 15 (UPI) — The Libyan Red Crescent reported that the recent catastrophic flooding in the North African nation has claimed the lives of at least 11,300 people, with a further 10,100 still missing. The actual death toll is believed to be around 20,000, but due to the extensive destruction, precise numbers are difficult to ascertain and track.

Derna Mayor Abdel Moneim al-Ghaithi expressed astonishment at the scale of the disaster, stating, “The situation is very large and surprising for the city of Derna. We were not able to confront it with our capabilities that preceded the storm and the torrent.”

Al-Ghaithi added that the death toll could potentially rise to 20,000, which accounts for approximately one-fifth of Derna’s population. Additionally, the mayor’s office revealed that the city’s dam had not been maintained since 2008 due to political divisions in the country.

Mohamed Menfi, the president of the Presidential Council of Libya, has instructed the public prosecutor to launch a comprehensive investigation into the disaster, holding those accountable for any mistakes, negligence, or obstruction of relief efforts.

The World Meteorological Organization emphasized that most of the deaths could have been prevented if Libya had a functioning meteorological service. Furthermore, the International Committee of the Red Cross is providing assistance to affected families by distributing medicine, food, body bags, first aid kits, and household items.

“This disaster was violent and brutal. A wave 7 meters high wiped out buildings and washed infrastructure into the sea. Now family members are missing, dead bodies are washing back up on shore, and homes are destroyed. The city faces immense emotional trauma,” stated Yann Fridez, the head of ICRC’s Libya delegation, in a Thursday statement.