Massive Flood in Libya’s Derna Leaves Thousands Dead and Missing
The death toll in Derna, a coastal city in Libya, has reached a staggering 11,300 as search efforts continue following a devastating flood caused by the breaching of two dams in heavy rains, according to the Libyan Red Crescent. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Libya secretary-general, Marie el-Drese, also stated that another 10,100 people are reported missing in the Mediterranean city. The storm, which occurred on Sunday night, also claimed the lives of approximately 170 individuals in other parts of eastern Libya.
The mayor of Derna, Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi, expressed concern that the death toll could climb to 20,000 due to the extensive damage done to various neighborhoods. The flooding washed away entire families and exposed vulnerabilities in the oil-rich country, which has been grappling with conflict since the 2011 overthrow of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Survivors reported harrowing experiences, with one injured individual recounting how he and his mother were swept away by the rising water before seeking refuge in an empty building downstream. The unidentified survivor described witnessing cars and bodies being carried away by the water. The storm’s impact was not confined to Derna, as other towns and cities in eastern Libya, including Bayda, Susa, Um Razaz, and Marj, also suffered significant losses.
Emergency workers, hopeful of finding survivors, continue their search efforts despite the challenging conditions. The IFRC emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and Tamer Ramadan, head of the rescue effort in Libya, expressed optimism about finding people alive.
In Derna, the burial of the deceased has already begun, with mass graves being utilized to accommodate the high number of fatalities. Abduljalil, the Health Minister, disclosed that over 3,000 bodies had already been buried, while another 2,000 were in the process of being processed. However, the search for more bodies remains ongoing, with wrecked buildings and the sea being thoroughly examined.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) described the disaster as violent and brutal, with a seven-meter wave wiping out buildings and infrastructure. The ICRC is distributing 6,000 body bags to ensure the dignified treatment of the deceased. The World Health Organization and other aid groups have called on Libyan authorities to refrain from mass burials, emphasizing the need for a more respectful approach.
The poor state of infrastructure and lack of maintenance have contributed to the severity of the disaster. Access to Derna is heavily restricted, with roads and bridges destroyed, and power and phone lines cut in many areas. The United Nations has requested the establishment of a sea corridor to provide emergency relief and facilitate evacuations. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization Chief blamed the lack of functioning early warning and emergency management systems for the high death toll.
Critics have blamed corruption and financial mismanagement for the inadequate infrastructure in Libya. The military investment authority has been accused of neglecting the city’s critical infrastructure and prioritizing personal gain. Anas El Gomati, founder and director of the Sadeq Institute, emphasized the responsibility of successive governments for the failing infrastructure that has plagued Libya for decades.
The aftermath of the flood in Derna serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Libya and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure maintenance to prevent such tragedies in the future.