Death Toll in Libya’s Derna Flooding Could Reach 20,000: Mayor(video)

The death toll in the devastating flooding that struck the city of Derna in Libya continues to rise, with the mayor warning that it could reach a staggering 20,000. The catastrophe was triggered by Storm Daniel, which unleashed torrential rains and caused a powerful flood that swept away buildings and claimed thousands of lives.

Rescue workers are struggling to reach the affected areas and locate missing individuals. The city of Derna, located along the Mediterranean coast, has been severely impacted, with entire districts destroyed and multistory buildings collapsing, trapping families inside.

According to Lieutenant Tarek al-Kharraz, spokesperson for the interior ministry, the current recorded death toll stands at 3,840, with 3,190 already buried. Among the victims are approximately 400 foreigners, primarily from Sudan and Egypt. However, Hichem Abu Chkiouat, the minister of civil aviation in the eastern Libyan administration, believes the number of casualties could exceed 5,300 and may even double.

Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi expressed his concerns, stating that the estimated death toll in Derna alone could reach between 18,000 and 20,000, considering the extensive destruction caused by the flood.

Heartbreaking stories of loss and tragedy have emerged from survivors. Mahmud Abdulkarim, a resident of Derna, recounted the devastating loss of his mother and brother. Despite warnings to evacuate, they remained in their first-floor apartment, unaware of the impending disaster. When they finally decided to flee, they were swept away by the floodwaters as soon as they stepped onto the streets.

Journalist Mabrooka Elmesmary, who managed to leave Derna, described the city as a “disaster on a massive scale.” The city is now devoid of water, electricity, and petrol, with countless families displaced and seeking shelter in schools. The scenes of destruction are overwhelming, with apartment buildings washed away and roads blocked or destroyed.

The number of missing individuals is estimated to be around 10,000, although the UN aid agency OCHA believes the figure could be at least 5,000. The beach is strewn with remnants of people’s lives, including clothes, toys, furniture, and shoes, carried away by the powerful floodwaters.

Rescue efforts are underway, with teams from Egypt, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar arriving to assist. Derna Mayor al-Ghaithi emphasized the urgent need for specialized teams to recover bodies, as the large number of casualties poses a risk of epidemic outbreaks.

However, rescue operations are complicated by the political divisions in Libya. The Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the parallel administration in the east, including Derna, have struggled to coordinate efforts. Criticism has arisen, accusing local authorities of failing to inform residents about the need to evacuate before the flood struck. Mayor al-Ghaithi, however, maintains that precautions were taken and residents were informed.

As Libya grapples with this devastating natural disaster, the unity and resilience of its people are shining through. Volunteers and government convoys from across the country are providing assistance and support to those affected by the floods.

Source: Al Jazeera