The news is marked by the recent floods which hit the town of Derna, in eastern Libya. These bad weather unfortunately resulted in a heavy human toll, with more than 2,200 deaths, according to the director of a hospital in the city. Thousands of people are also missing, raising serious concerns about the final death toll.
The floods, caused by heavy rains from Storm Daniel, led to large mudslides which devastated the town of Derna. The two main dams on the Wadi Derna river failed, causing considerable damage and even washing away buildings and their inhabitants. Rescuers had great difficulty reaching the victims due to blocked roads and very difficult weather conditions.
Faced with this dramatic situation, the international community reacted quickly. France announced the dispatch of a field hospital in the coming hours to provide medical assistance to the affected populations. Other countries, such as Algeria, Egypt and Italy, have also promised to send humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies and tents.
The Libyan Red Cross and Red Crescent are also mobilized to help flood victims. However, humanitarian needs far exceed their current capacities, and it is essential that other international actors join the relief effort.
In this crisis situation, it is important to remember the importance of solidarity and international assistance. The tragic events taking place in Derna remind us of the importance of taking measures to address the consequences of climate change, in order to prevent such disasters in the future.
In conclusion, the floods in Derna have caused a great human tragedy, with many lives lost and thousands missing. The international community must mobilize to provide adequate humanitarian aid and support the population during this difficult period. It is also essential to learn lessons from this disaster to strengthen our natural disaster prevention efforts in the future.