The United Nations reports that the flooding catastrophe in Derna, an eastern Libyan city, has led to a staggering 11,300 fatalities, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
According to the UN’s humanitarian coordination office, the Libyan Red Crescent has indicated that an additional 10,100 individuals remain unaccounted for in the disaster-stricken city.
The UN also stated that aside from Derna, the floods have resulted in 170 more deaths in various other parts of eastern Libya.
The UN emphasizes that these figures are likely to climb as rescue teams continue their relentless efforts to locate survivors.
A week after the onslaught of Hurricane Daniel, the humanitarian crisis is particularly acute in Derna. The city is grappling with a severe water shortage, leading to the poisoning of at least 55 children who consumed contaminated water.
In regions surrounding Derna, which have been marred by years of armed conflict, the UN has issued warnings about the danger of landmines. These explosive devices have been dislodged by the floodwaters and now pose a new risk to civilians.
Last Sunday, the so-called Mediterranean hurricane ‘Daniel’ ravaged multiple areas in eastern Libya, including major cities like Benghazi, Al Bayda, and Al Marj, in addition to Sousse and Derna. The hurricane has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with thousands dead and many more missing, predominantly in Derna.
It’s important to note that Libya has been embroiled in a brutal civil war for years, causing extensive casualties among civilians and widespread damage to the nation’s infrastructure.
