Destroyed neighborhoods, mudslides, rubble and thousands of deaths: days after the devastating floods in eastern Libya, the extent of the disaster is slowly becoming clear. On Tuesday, rescue workers reported more than 2,300 deaths and around 7,000 injuries from the particularly affected port city of Derna alone, and 5,000 people were missing. The news from Libya caused consternation around the world, with a WHO representative calling it a disaster of “epic proportions.”
According to the Derna city administration, the water masses destroyed several bridges and two dams. The dams normally hold back the water of the riverbed that passes through Derna. A representative of the city administration asked for “national and international help.”
The port city of Derna in Libya was particularly affected
Derna is located 900 kilometers east of the capital Tripoli and has a population of 100,000. According to the World Weather Organization (WMO), entire neighborhoods disappeared and residents were swept away by the masses of water.
The situation in the city is “shocking and dramatic,” said a spokesman for the local emergency services. “We need more support to save lives because there are still people under the rubble and every minute counts.”
Libyan television showed dozens of bodies wrapped in blankets and sheets in the city’s central square. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent feared “thousands” of deaths across Libya. Around 10,000 people are missing. The aid needed far exceeds the capacities of the Red Cross and the government in Libya, emphasized the aid organization’s representative, Tamer Ramadan.
Caused by the storm “Daniel”, the east of the North African country was hit by heavy rain on Sunday, which led to severe flooding and affected numerous other places in addition to Derna. Images from the affected areas showed massive mudslides, collapsed buildings and entire city districts under water. In the days before, “Daniel” had already caused destruction in Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria.
Reports of the catastrophic consequences of the storm in Libya sparked concerned reactions around the world. US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected and their families.” The Federal Government is in contact with the United Nations and partner states regarding possible aid.
Other countries are preparing help and support, including Germany
The Federal Agency for Technical Relief prepared aid deliveries to support the population in the flooded areas. “We will offer tents with lighting, camp beds, blankets, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, power generators and hygiene materials,” explained Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD).
The United Nations is already mobilizing aid for the disaster areas and the USA, France, Qatar, Egypt and Tunisia also offered their help. According to the authorities, rescue teams sent by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have already arrived in eastern Libya.
After the fall of ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011, Libya was plunged into chaos, and rival governments are now in power in the west and east of the country. Authorities on both sides initiated emergency measures. The government in western Tripoli under Abdelhamid Dbeibah said it sent two hospital planes, a helicopter, 87 doctors and rescue workers equipped with rescue equipment to the region.