Rescuers and volunteers mobilized in Derna to find those missing after storm Daniel
The coastal town of Derna, located in eastern Libya, was hit hard by Storm Daniel. The violent floods which followed the passage of the storm caused significant damage and a still uncertain number of victims. Five days after the disaster, rescuers and volunteers are still hard at work finding the thousands of people missing.
According to international and relief organizations, the human toll of the disaster is still difficult to establish. It is currently estimated that there are at least 3,800 dead, but the mayor of Derna speaks of more than 10,000 victims. The Red Cross maintains hope of finding survivors among the rubble.
The UN Office for Humanitarian Coordination (OCHA) has launched an appeal for $71.4 million to help the victims. The aim is to provide immediate assistance to the 250,000 people most affected by the disaster. The UN is also calling for the creation of a maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The situation in the town of Derna is described as catastrophic. Many people are staying with host families or in schools, but reception capacities are limited. Only one hospital operates in the eastern part of the city, but it faces difficulties due to shortages of medicines and staff. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlights the urgency of obtaining essential medical equipment and supplies.
Despite the difficult conditions, some roads have been repaired, allowing some victims to leave the most affected areas. Albayda welcomed residents of Derna seeking safety. Meanwhile, the towns of Almarj, Taknes, Shahat and Benghazi were also affected, although less severely.
OCHA estimates that nearly 880,000 people will need assistance in the next three months. In addition to displaced people, it will provide food and shelter to those who have lost everything. This is why the UN is calling for international mobilization to respond to urgent needs.
International aid has already been mobilized. Body bags were sent to the site to recover the bodies of the victims. Field hospitals are being set up, in particular thanks to the help of France which is sending medical equipment. Coordination between the different rescue teams is essential to optimize operations and save as many lives as possible.
This disaster in Libya reminds us of the importance of international solidarity in the face of tragic events affecting populations. Humanitarian aid should not be an option, but an obligation towards our fellow human beings in distress. It is time to show our ability to act and support those who have lost everything.