Derna, a city in Libya, has been hit by a devastating flood that has claimed the lives of thousands of people and caused widespread destruction. The catastrophe was triggered by a powerful storm that caused a torrent of water to rush through the city, overwhelming the usually dry riverbed. Multistorey buildings collapsed, trapping sleeping families inside.
According to Lieutenant Tarek al-Kharraz, a spokesperson for the interior ministry, 3,840 deaths have been recorded in Derna so far, with 3,190 already buried. Among the deceased are at least 400 foreigners from Sudan and Egypt. However, Hichem Abu Chkiouat, the minister of civil aviation, claims that over 5,300 deaths have been counted, and he expects this number to increase significantly, potentially doubling.
Derna Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has estimated that the death toll in the city could reach between 18,000 to 20,000, based on the extent of the destruction caused by the flood. Survivors and witnesses have shared their stories of loss and tragedy. Mahmud Abdulkarim lost his mother and brother after they failed to evacuate in time. He recounted that his mother refused to leave, underestimating the severity of the situation.
The city of Derna is now in ruins, with no access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and petrol. Apartment buildings have been swept away, and roads are blocked or destroyed, making it difficult for people to flee the area. Many families have sought shelter in schools.
Officials have reported that around 10,000 people are currently missing, while the UN aid agency OCHA puts the figure at least 5,000. The coastal area is strewn with the remnants of people’s lives – clothes, toys, furniture, and possessions washed away by the flood.
Rescue efforts are underway, with teams arriving from Egypt, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar. The mayor of Derna has emphasized the need for specialized teams to recover bodies, as the fear of an epidemic looms due to the large number of bodies trapped beneath the rubble and in the water. Qatar has sent a field hospital and other aid supplies to assist in the relief efforts.
Libyans have also shown unity and solidarity in response to the crisis, with many providing assistance and support. Convoys with equipment and supplies from western Libya have reached the affected areas, along with volunteer groups offering aid.
The rescue operations are further complicated by the political divisions in Libya. The country has lacked a strong central government since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to a fragmented administration. The western region of Libya is governed by the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU), while the east, including Derna, is under a parallel administration. Local authorities in eastern Libya have faced criticism for allegedly failing to inform residents about the need to evacuate before the flood hit the city. However, Mayor al-Ghaithi maintains that necessary precautions were taken and residents were alerted prior to the disaster.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, the people of Derna are left to mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones and rebuild their shattered lives and city.