The devastating floods that hit Libya continue to wreak havoc. In the north-east of the country, the affected towns are left to their own devices, while the number of victims continues to increase. The damage caused by the storm made access to the telephone network and the Internet completely unusable, thus complicating rescue operations.
In the town of Derna, the most affected by these floods, residents are desperately waiting to be rescued. Buildings have been devastated, bridges washed away and some neighborhoods are completely submerged. The city was transformed into an unrecognizable landscape, bearing witness to the violence of the storm.
Derna resident Salhin Al Furjan recounts the dramatic moments leading up to the explosion of two dams. The townspeople were caught off guard, as they were deep in their sleep. The explosions rang out, followed by floods which quickly invaded the city.
This witness reports the terrifying scene upon awakening: lifeless bodies littered the streets, the damage was considerable. Two dams exploded in succession, causing unpredictable water flow. The residents had never anticipated such a catastrophe and today find themselves totally helpless. Some are trapped in the center of the city, unable to escape.
The consequences of the floods are tragic. The number of victims could reach 20,000, according to estimates by the mayor of Derna. This situation sparked an international reaction, with the United Nations committing $10 million to help survivors, as well as the release of an envelope of 500,000 euros from the European Union.
It is essential to support the residents of Derna and other regions affected by these devastating floods. The mobilization of financial and human resources is essential to enable rapid and effective assistance to disaster victims. Let’s hope that the situation improves quickly and that these communities can rebuild after this terrible disaster.