The floods which hit the town of Derna in Libya have left indelible marks both physically and psychologically. On the night of September 10 to 11, storm Daniel caused considerable damage, causing more than 4,000 victims and a still unknown number of missing people. Before this tragedy, the city had a population of 100,000 inhabitants. Today, the city center is almost deserted, devastated by raging waters.
In a recent report produced by special correspondents Nissim Gasteli and Madjid Zerrouki for Le Monde Afrique, the psychological distress of the victims is highlighted. The inhabitants of Derna are plunged into a phase of acute post-traumatic stress, struggling to cope with the consequences of this natural disaster.
The images that emerged from Derna after the floods are heartbreaking. The devastated streets, the destroyed houses, the lifeless bodies, everything recalls the nightmare experienced by the population. But beyond this material damage, it is the invisible wounds that are the most difficult to heal. Survivors are now faced with profound psychological after-effects.
In this atmosphere of mourning and desolation, the report highlights the emptiness that reigns in the streets of Derna and the silence that envelops the city. Residents who have chosen to stay to rebuild their lives face a sense of loss and despair. The emotional wounds are palpable, and the reconstruction of the city cannot be done without taking this essential aspect into account.
Storm Daniel caused much more than material damage, it disrupted the lives of thousands of people, causing profound consequences on their mental health. Disaster victims are plagued by feelings of fear, anxiety and trauma. The images of this catastrophe haunt their minds and prevent them from rebuilding their lives.
It is therefore essential to pay particular attention to the psychological dimension in the process of reconstructing Derna. Measures must be taken to support residents in their recovery, by setting up appropriate psychological support programs. This consideration of psychological distress will restore hope and give the inhabitants of Derna the strength necessary to rebuild themselves.
In conclusion, the floods in Derna, Libya, have left behind deep invisible wounds. The psychological distress of the victims is a reality that must be taken into account in the process of rebuilding the city. Psychological support becomes a necessity to allow the inhabitants of Derna to get back on their feet and find a semblance of normality after this terrible disaster.