Severe Floods in Libya Leave Over 2,000 Feared Dead, Thousands Still Missing.

Severe Floods in Libya Leave Over 2,000 Feared Dead, Thousands Still Missing.

Asif Iqbal | September 12, 2023 | 04:18 AM IST | Breaking News, Climate & Environment | Follow on Google News

In a tragic Severe Floods in Libya Leave Over 2,000 Feared Dead, Thousands Still Missing.turn of events, eastern Libya has been left reeling as a catastrophic flood wreaked havoc on the city of Derna, claiming the lives of at least 2,000 people and leaving thousands more unaccounted for. The disaster unfolded in the wake of a heavy storm and torrential rain that swept through the region, bringing with it unimaginable destruction and despair.

Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA) that exerts control over eastern Libya, revealed in a televised news conference that the catastrophe was triggered by the collapse of dams situated above Derna. This catastrophe resulted in entire neighborhoods and their residents being swept away into the sea. Mismari estimated the number of missing individuals to be between 5,000 and 6,000, compounding the tragedy further.

Initially, the head of the Red Crescent aid group in the region reported a death toll of 150, projecting it to reach 250. However, Reuters could not promptly verify either of these figures. This discrepancy underscores the chaos and challenges facing relief efforts in the region.

Libya remains a country divided along political lines, with public services deteriorating since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011. The internationally recognized government in Tripoli does not exercise control over the eastern territories. In light of the dire situation, the Presidential Council in Tripoli has called upon the international community, urging “brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations” to provide assistance.

The calamity extended beyond Derna, affecting other settlements along the coast, including Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city. Videos and images from Derna portrayed a city center transformed into a wide torrent, with buildings in ruins. In the aftermath, numerous individuals were found stranded on the roofs of their vehicles, signaling the urgent need for help.

As the search-and-rescue operations continued, authorities declared a state of extreme emergency, implementing curfews and shutting down schools and stores. Libya’s eastern-based parliament and Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah declared three days of mourning in response to the devastating floods.

Furthermore, the catastrophe had repercussions for Libya’s oil industry, as four major oil ports were closed for three days due to the disaster. Amid the tragedy, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani instructed the government to send aid to the affected areas in eastern Libya, demonstrating international solidarity in the face of this calamity.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.