The floods in Libya have resulted in an “enormous” number of deaths that could reach into the thousands and 10,000 people missing, as stated by an official from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
An “enormous” number of deaths and 10,000 missing individuals. In Libya, the Red Cross is providing an initial assessment of the severe floods and mudslides that have affected the country since Sunday. This disaster has prompted the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamad al-Manfi, to request “the assistance of brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations.” Many cities in the country have been devastated by the passage of Storm Daniel, which had already hit Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria in recent days.
A coastal city in the eastern part of the country, Derna, was described as “disaster-stricken” by Mohamad al-Manfi due to the significant damage recorded in recent hours. With a population of over 100,000 residents, the city is crossed by a river that flows into the Mediterranean. Due to the storm, the river overflowed by about fifty meters on each side, sweeping away buildings and houses in its path, as shown in videos broadcast by the media.
Described by experts as an “extreme phenomenon in terms of the amount of rainfall,” Storm Daniel has already resulted in at least 27 deaths in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria in recent days. Eastern Libya is home to the main oil fields and terminals. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has declared a “maximum state of alert” and “suspended flights” between production sites, where activity has been significantly reduced.
