Search Teams Scour for 10,000 Unaccounted Individuals in Libyan City Overwhelmed by Floods; Death Toll Exceeds 11,000

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On Friday, Libyan authorities restricted entry to a flood-stricken city, facilitating rescue teams in their quest to locate 10,000 individuals who are missing and feared deceased, following a deluge that has already claimed more than 11,000 lives.

Officials issued alerts about the possible spread of diseases and the risk of unexploded ordnances that may have been displaced by the floodwaters, potentially exacerbating an already grim situation. The efforts to recover bodies and distribute aid in the worst-hit areas have been hampered by a lack of resources and organizational confusion. Libya’s dual governments, long fragmented by internal conflicts and warfare, have faced challenges in coordinating a response to this monumental catastrophe.

Heavy rains from the Mediterranean storm Daniel caused two dams to rupture early Monday, releasing a torrent of water several meters high that surged through the valley, inundating the city of Derna.

Though the disaster has prompted a rare unity among Libya’s divided eastern and western governments and their international backers, relief operations have been impeded by infrastructure damage, including the collapse of several bridges connecting Derna, resulting in uneven aid distribution.

Additional Information on Libyan Flooding

• Satellite imagery reveals flood-induced devastation resulting in over 11,000 deaths in Libya
• Entire families perished in Libya’s floods; many remained oblivious to the peril until the dams gave way
• Death toll from flooding in Libya’s coastal city of Derna reaches 11,300, according to aid organizations

Humanitarian organizations have urged the Libyan government to streamline the delivery of essential food, potable water, and medical supplies to survivors. The absence of centralized coordination is evident, as some city zones receive adequate supplies and support, while others have residents left unaided, searching through debris for their loved ones.

The streets of Derna are strewn with debris, including twisted metal and submerged vehicles, all covered in a layer of mud. Mass graves have been prepared in the outskirts of the city and in adjacent towns for the deceased, as stated by Eastern Libya’s Health Minister, Othman Abduljaleel.

Despite ongoing efforts, authorities are concerned that thousands more bodies are yet to be discovered.

Forensic experts have described a gruesome scene where bodies are scattered throughout the city, on the shoreline, and under collapsed structures. Divers are engaged in searching the coastal waters adjacent to Derna for additional victims.

Adel Ayad, who survived the flood, recounted how the rising water levels reached the fourth floor of his building, sweeping people off rooftops and carrying them away.

Late on Thursday, Salam al-Fergany, the Director General of the Ambulance and Emergency Service in eastern Libya, announced plans to evacuate Derna residents. However, as of Friday, no such evacuations were evident.

Health experts indicate that stagnant water poses a health risk, primarily due to water contamination, although the presence of dead bodies does not inherently contribute to the risk. They advocate for the provision of safe drinking water as a critical focus.

Imene Trabelsi, a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, has raised concerns about the increased threat from landmines and other explosive remnants relocated by the floodwaters, which could present both an immediate and long-term risk.

According to the Libyan Red Crescent, as of Thursday, the number of confirmed deaths stood at 11,300 in Derna, with another 10,100 people reported missing.

In addition to the domestic tragedy, Libyan media have reported that dozens of Sudanese migrants lost their lives in the catastrophe, highlighting Libya’s role as a crucial transit point for migrants from the Middle East and Africa seeking better lives in Europe.

The unusual intensity of the flooding, attributed in part to climate change, has been exacerbated by Libya’s ongoing political instability, leading to widespread criticism of authorities for their lack of preparedness.

Officials have acknowledged that the political turmoil in Libya contributed to the high fatality rate, and residents have expressed anger and disappointment at the lack of emergency readiness.

This report has been updated to clarify that there have been no signs of initiated evacuations as of yet.

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News journalists Samy Magdy in Cairo, Jack Jeffery in London, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, and Abby Sewell in Beirut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flood Crisis in Derna, Libya

More about Flood Crisis in Derna, Libya

• Flood Crisis in Derna: Overview and Current Status
• Emergency Response Efforts in Libya
• Health Risks Associated with Flooding in Libya
• Political Strife and Its Impact on Relief Operations
• Humanitarian Aid Organizations in Libya
• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events in North Africa
• Landmines and Explosive Hazards in Libya
• Libya’s Ongoing Civil Conflict: A Brief History