Northeastern Libya has been plunged into a state of crisis as the aftermath of storm Daniel unfolds. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and official statistics, the floods triggered by this devastating storm have displaced over 38,640 people and tragically claimed the lives of at least 5,500 individuals.
The city of Derna, a port city in northeastern Libya, has borne the brunt of this natural disaster, enduring the worst floods the nation has witnessed in decades. The IOM reported that Derna suffered the most damage, with a staggering 2,217 buildings reduced to rubble and thousands left homeless in its wake.
The Housing and Utilities Projects Implementation Agency of Libya revealed that the floods wreaked havoc on approximately 5,000 homes across the region. Moreover, the water supply networks have been severely disrupted, plunging communities into a dire shortage of drinking water.
Amid the grim circumstances, the local authorities have been forced to conduct mass burials of the recovered bodies in Derna. DNA samples are being collected for identification purposes under the oversight of the city’s public prosecutor, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Spanish humanitarian assistance worker Steel Cavillo, who witnessed the devastation firsthand, expressed profound shock at the extent of the destruction in Derna. Cavillo stated that hope of finding more survivors is fading, describing the scene as a nightmarish landscape with corpses scattered everywhere. He lamented the unbearable stench and the contaminated water, emphasizing the high risk of disease outbreaks in the area.
Haider al-Sayeh, director of the National Center for Disease Control, echoed Cavillo’s concerns, calling for the immediate evacuation of the flood-affected areas. Al-Sayeh revealed that 55 cases of water contamination have already been reported in Derna, as drinking water mixed with sewage water. He warned of the looming threat of severe health problems, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.
The dire situation in Derna has also taken a toll on basic amenities. Approximately 40 percent of the city is without electricity, and telecommunications remain weak. Only two bakeries are operational, making it increasingly difficult for residents to access essential goods.
Sulaiman al-Mabruk, a Libyan volunteer involved in relief efforts, highlighted the challenges faced in providing aid. He pointed out that power generators require fuel, and obtaining medication for individuals with chronic diseases has become an arduous task.
In response to this catastrophic situation, the Libyan authorities have declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and issued an urgent appeal for international assistance. Several countries and humanitarian organizations have stepped forward, pledging their support to aid the flood victims during this critical time.
The road to recovery for northeastern Libya is undoubtedly long and challenging, but the international community’s solidarity and support offer a glimmer of hope for the afflicted region as it strives to rebuild and heal from the devastation wrought by storm Daniel.
(With inputs from Xinhua news agency)
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