The floods which hit the town of Derna in Libya caused a large-scale human tragedy. While official figures show around 11,300 people dead and more than 10,100 missing, the Libyan Red Crescent recently denied this information, stressing that it contributed to the confusion and despair of families.
Storm Daniel, which caused these devastating floods, caused two dams to break, creating a destructive wave similar to a tsunami. The flood swept away everything in its path, burying most of the victims under mud or carrying them towards the Mediterranean.
The humanitarian situation remains critical in Derna, with serious shortages of drinking water. At least 55 children have been poisoned after drinking polluted water. The survivors must face a landscape of desolation, with devastated neighborhoods and bodies recovered every day, both on land and in the sea.
Libyan and foreign rescue teams are working to find the bodies of the victims, but the work is made difficult by the extent of the mud which covers part of the city. Furthermore, the political chaos reigning in Libya further complicates relief operations, with two rival governments and difficult coordination between the different authorities.
Despite these obstacles, international mobilization continues and relief and assistance teams are flocking to Derna. Humanitarian aid planes continue to arrive at Benghazi’s Benina Airport, where they join international teams and representatives from several countries, all committed to helping the affected population.
In conclusion, the floods which affected Derna in Libya caused a human tragedy of a still uncertain scale. Official figures are disputed, but the distress of families and the humanitarian challenges remain very worrying. It is essential that the international community continues to support relief operations in order to alleviate the suffering of the population and contribute to the reconstruction of the city.