Devastating Floods in Libya: Government Anticipates Over 10,000 Casualties

The officially appointed Libyan government is expressing deep concern over the rapidly rising death toll resulting from recent floods. According to Osman Abdel Jalil, the Minister of Health, the city of Derna alone has recorded over 2,000 casualties as a result of the catastrophic floods that struck the eastern part of the country.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Abdel Jalil emphasized that communication with hospitals in Derna has been severed, necessitating the implementation of an urgent response plan. He further estimates that the number of casualties could exceed 10,000, with thousands of people still missing.

Rescue operations are encountering significant challenges in the regions affected by the floods. Speculation suggests that the collapse of two dams in Derna triggered the floods and subsequent inundation.

Earlier, Mohammed Al-Menfi, the head of the Libyan Presidential Council, appealed to international countries and organizations for support and assistance in the disaster-stricken areas. This plea aligns with maritime rescue efforts aimed at recovering victims, aiding survivors, and securing essential supplies.

Ahmed Al-Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army, informed the 'Sputnik' agency that between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals are reported missing in eastern Libya due to the floods caused by storm 'Daniel.'

Previously, Osama Hammad, the head of the parliament-appointed Libyan government, revealed that the death toll from the floods in the city of Derna has already surpassed 2,000.

In response to the devastating floods, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the head of the interim unity government in Libya, declared a three-day national mourning period. During this time, flags will be flown at half-mast to honor the lives lost in the floods. 

Last Sunday, Libyan authorities declared Sousa, a city located in the east, a disaster zone after experiencing severe floods and torrents caused by the Mediterranean storm 'Daniel' that struck the eastern region of Libya.

While Libya is primarily known as a desert nation and not commonly associated with floods, the changing global climate and extreme weather conditions have resulted in an unprecedented disaster for the country. The destruction caused by the dam collapses and the severe impact of storm 'Daniel' have transformed entire cities into zones of devastation, demanding urgent international assistance.