Deadly floods that hit Derna, eastern Libya, have left the city in an unprecedented state of devastation. More than 3,300 people lost their lives in this tragic disaster. Recently, a special RFI correspondent was able to enter the city with the Libyan National Army (LNA) to witness the devastation caused by the floods.
The city center of Derna is almost completely deserted, giving the impression of a ghost town. More than a third of the city was destroyed and the ruins bear witness to the extent of the damage. The sounds of excavators and clearing work are the only sounds that echo in the deserted streets. The bridges connecting the city center have been completely destroyed, making access difficult.
The ANL has taken measures to secure the city center and facilitate search operations for missing people. Surviving families found refuge in a school in the Chiha district, at the top of a hill which was relatively spared by the floods. These survivors all have a poignant story to tell about their experience of the “flood”. Many families have been separated and efforts are being made to reunite them.
At a reception center, volunteers displayed photos of deceased and unidentified people, in the hope that families will be able to identify their missing loved ones. The inhabitants of Derna live in the agonizing wait of finding the bodies of their loved ones, swept away by the devastating waters.
The official death toll is established by the ANL, which has already buried nearly 3,360 bodies. However, this figure does not take into account the missing. The authorities are doing everything they can to find missing people and provide some semblance of comfort to families during this period of mourning.
The floods in Derna have left a deep scar in the city and in the hearts of the residents. The reconstruction will be a long process, but hope remains that the city can return to its former splendor.
The floods in Derna also highlight the importance of natural disaster preparedness and management. It is essential to invest in flood prevention and put in place safety measures to minimize loss of life and property damage. Awareness of the impact of climate change and extreme weather phenomena is also essential to adapt our cities and communities to these new challenges.
In conclusion, the floods in Derna have left indelible traces in this battered city. However, hope remains so that the population can rebuild and return to normal life. It is essential that the lessons learned from this tragedy are taken into account to better prevent and manage future natural disasters.