Thousands Killed in Libya Floods: Urgent Appeal for Humanitarian Aid

According to a local minister, more than 5,300 people are believed to have died in floods in the Libyan city of Derna. Hisham Chkiouat, from Libya's eastern administration, stated that the sea is continuously depositing dozens of bodies. The situation has prompted calls for more humanitarian support, as victims are either wrapped in body bags or buried in mass graves. The flooding occurred after a dam burst during Storm Daniel, causing a tsunami-like river of floodwater that swept through the city. Rescue teams are currently searching through collapsed buildings in hopes of finding survivors. Officials fear that at least 10,000 people are missing or dead. Libyan doctor Najib Tarhoni, working in a hospital near Derna, stressed the urgent need for support, including logistic help and specialized teams to recover bodies. The head of the Libyan doctors' union added that forensic and rescue teams were urgently required. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced that an emergency team would arrive in Derna to assess medical needs and provide emergency medical kits and body bags. Streets in Derna are now covered in mud, rubble, and upturned vehicles. Mr. Chkiouat reported that some areas of the city have completely vanished. The floods have been described as resembling a tsunami. Witnesses have spoken of the horrific scenes, including dead bodies and children's screams. The floods have also claimed the lives of several elite footballers, according to the Libya Football Federation. The United Nations has referred to the deadly floods as a "calamity of epic proportions." Apart from Derna, the cities of Soussa, Al-Marj, and Misrata were also affected by the storm. Libya has experienced political chaos since the overthrow and killing of long-serving ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The nation is effectively divided, with an interim government in Tripoli and another in the east. Despite this division, the Tripoli government has sent medical supplies, body bags, doctors, and paramedics to assist in the relief efforts. The city of Derna, located along the coast, is surrounded by the nearby hills of the fertile Jabal Akhdar region. Previously, it served as a base for militants from the Islamic State group before they were driven out by the Libyan National Army. The army is allied to the eastern administration and is currently assessing the damage caused by the floods in order to begin reconstruction and restore electricity for rescue operations.