Title: Devastating floods in Libya: an ongoing emergency
Introduction :
Recent floods in Libya have caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the northeast of the country. Cities have been hit hard, killing many residents and leaving thousands homeless. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the aftermath of these devastating floods and current efforts to help survivors.
1. The ravages of floods:
Cities in northeastern Libya, particularly Derna, were devastated by flooding caused by Storm Daniel. Buildings have been destroyed, bridges washed away and some neighborhoods are completely submerged. The images show an unrecognizable city, with extensive damage and missing roads. Thousands of people are now homeless and the city is in a state of desolation.
2. A survivor’s testimony:
A resident of Derna, Salhin Al Furjan, shared his experience of the disaster. He describes how residents were caught off guard by two detonations followed by floods, which occurred while they were sleeping. The first explosion caused one dam to rupture, which in turn led to the explosion of a second dam. Residents found themselves trapped, with some taking shelter on rooftops in hopes of escaping the rising waters. The violence and speed of the disaster left the population disoriented and helpless in the face of massive destruction.
3. Human and material consequences:
The human toll of the floods is alarming, with the number of victims still uncertain. The mayor of Derna estimated that the death toll could reach 20,000. The search for bodies continues, revealing new scenes of tragedy as the ruins are lifted. In addition to the human losses, the material damage was considerable. Entire roads were cut, multi-story buildings were swept away by water, and many belongings were lost.
4. Relief and aid efforts:
Faced with this humanitarian catastrophe, the United Nations and the European Union have promised their financial support. The United Nations has released $10 million to help survivors, while the European Union has allocated 500,000 euros. These funds will be used to provide emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food, clean water and medical care. However, access to the disaster areas remains difficult due to the damage caused to infrastructure.
Conclusion :
Floods in Libya have left cities in ruins and thousands of people homeless. Emergency situation continues as emergency and international aid mobilizes to help survivors. The human and material consequences of this disaster are considerable, and Libya will need continued support to rebuild and recover from this terrible ordeal.