Title: The ravages of storm Daniel in Libya: testimonies from a devastated region
Introduction :
The region of Al Jabal al Akhdar, in eastern Libya, was hit hard by Storm Daniel, leaving behind a landscape of desolation. Towns on the road to Derna are particularly affected, with bereaved families and bodies still sought. In this article, we offer you a report from the field, with poignant testimonies from the inhabitants of these disaster-stricken towns.
The ordeal of the inhabitants of Sousse:
Sousse, a city located less than 30 kilometers from Derna, is one of the most affected by the floods. Libyan rescuers are still working to find the bodies of the missing people. Families live in waiting, unable to mourn until they can bury their loved ones. Among the victims, a mother of six children, swept away by the waves, as well as an entire family who desperately tried to escape by car.
The road to Derna: a devastated landscape:
On the road leading to Derna, damage is visible everywhere. Houses were destroyed or submerged, giving way to mountains of white rock. The valley located at the entrance to Sousse is unrecognizable, there remains almost no trace of the homes that were there. Some tea sellers have timidly resumed their activity, while others have not yet been able to return, their kiosks having been devastated or swept away by water. Residents are trying to return to normal life, despite the devastation caused by the storm.
The help that is being organized:
Faced with this disaster, relief efforts are being organized. Relief convoys from the Libyan Red Crescent are on their way to the affected towns, bringing basic necessities such as food, clothes, shoes, baby diapers, mattresses and blankets. In addition, organizations are mobilizing to offer psychological support to survivors. Teams from the Libyan Youth Rights Organization are traveling to Derna to assess needs and set up a psychological support center. Indeed, many displaced people need urgent follow-up to treat their emotional shock and avoid situations of extreme tension, or even suicide.
Conclusion :
Storm Daniel left behind a landscape of desolation in Libya, particularly in the region of Al Jabal al Akhdar and on the road to Derna. Bereaved families are still waiting to be able to bury their missing loved ones, while residents try to rebuild and return to normal life after this disaster. Humanitarian aid is organized to provide material and psychological support to the victims. Solidarity is essential to overcome this ordeal and help residents get back on their feet.