Derna, Libya: An apocalyptic landscape after the floods
Derna, a small port town located in eastern Libya, was hit hard by devastating floods on the night of September 10 to 11, 2023. Storm Daniel, which swept through the region, caused the death of at least 3,000 people and left behind a post-apocalyptic landscape. A week after the tragedy, I went there to see the damage and meet the survivors.
As soon as I arrive in Derna, I am struck by the brown color of the water which has invaded the streets of the city. The Mediterranean seems to be having difficulty digesting the tons of mud and debris carried by the floods. The scene is surreal, with aid trucks and Red Crescent rescue vehicles crowding the roads.
In the streets, I pass children playing barefoot, seemingly unconcerned about the catastrophe that has befallen their city. Adults, for their part, queue up in front of the few stores still open, hoping to receive help. But the distribution remains random, and residents complain about the lack of information.
The landscape that unfolds before me is worthy of a post-apocalyptic film. Many homes were destroyed, reduced to piles of rubble. I approach a man brewing coffee over a makeshift fire set up on the sidewalk. He tells me his house was right there, pointing to a pile of concrete. Some buildings, inexplicably spared, seem almost intact. But inside, families have to deal with the lack of running water and frequent power cuts.
Authorities imposed strict control on entry to the city, asking journalists to leave and limiting access to essential aid convoys. It is clear that aid is reaching Derna, but the distribution system is far from optimal.
Faced with this situation, it is crucial to put in place a solid plan for the reconstruction of the city and the support of the inhabitants. Local initiatives are beginning to emerge, with volunteers mobilizing to provide aid and comfort survivors. It is essential that the international community also mobilizes to help Libya recover from this tragedy and prepare for possible future climate crises.
In conclusion, the floods that hit Derna left behind a devastated landscape and a population in search of help and comfort. Rebuilding the city and supporting its residents must be a top priority. By working together, we can restore hope to this community and offer it a better future.