Thousands Feared Dead as Storm Daniel Causes Dams to Collapse in Libya
Libya is facing a devastating tragedy as Storm Daniel brought torrential rains to the northeast, causing two dams to collapse and sweeping entire neighborhoods into the sea. The death toll is estimated at over 2,000, with an additional 6,000 people reported missing in the badly affected city of Derna.
Ahmed Mismari, spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA), revealed that the flooding resulted in the destruction of three bridges and the displacement of whole neighborhoods. “The flowing water carried away entire neighborhoods, eventually depositing them into the sea,” Mismari stated.
Although CNN has not independently verified the number of casualties, the Red Crescent in Benghazi estimated the death toll to be between 150 and 250. The head of Libya’s Emergency and Ambulance authority, Osama Aly, explained that the dams’ collapse caused the water to rush towards the mountainous coastal area near Derna, washing away homes and causing widespread destruction.
Rescue efforts are further complicated by the city’s phone lines being down. Aly admitted that authorities did not anticipate the scale of the disaster, stating that the weather conditions were not properly studied, and there was no evacuation plan in place for families at risk.
The floods have also affected other cities such as Al-Bayda, Al-Marj, Tobruk, Takenis, Al-Bayada, and Battah, as well as the eastern coast up to Benghazi. Libya, which has been divided between warring factions since 2014, is now grappling with a catastrophic natural disaster on top of its ongoing conflicts.
Videos shared on social media depict submerged cars, collapsed buildings, and rushing torrents of water. Hospitals in the eastern city of Bayda were forced to evacuate due to severe flooding caused by the heavy storm.
Several countries, including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, have offered condolences and pledged assistance to Libya. Turkey’s disaster agency announced sending 150 search and rescue personnel along with necessary supplies. The US Embassy in Libya is also in close contact with the United Nations and local authorities to determine the best way to provide aid.
The storm, previously wreaking havoc in Greece, developed into a medicane, a tropical-like cyclone, as it moved into the Mediterranean Sea. These systems can bring dangerous conditions similar to tropical storms or hurricanes. The remnants of Storm Daniel will continue to affect northern Libya and gradually move towards northern Egypt, with further rainfall expected in the coming days.
Libya, ill-prepared for such a catastrophe, will require extensive support to cope with the aftermath of this unprecedented disaster. The nation desperately needs assistance in rescue efforts, medical aid, and rebuilding infrastructure to aid the affected communities in their recovery process.