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| At least 5200 killed, 10,000 feared missing in Libya flood |
In a heart-wrenching catastrophe, eastern Libya has been devastated by catastrophic floods, leaving more than 5,200 lives lost, and an additional 10,000 individuals unaccounted for, as reported by a spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior. This harrowing disaster has sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving communities grappling with the immense loss and destruction.
Libya's envoy for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Tamer Ramadan, expressed the staggering magnitude of the tragedy, stating, "The death toll is huge," underscoring the enormity of the crisis.
The city of Derna bore the brunt of this natural disaster, with approximately 700 confirmed casualties and the grim discovery of over 1,500 bodies amid the flood's destruction. Adding to the grim tally, around 1,200 individuals were left injured in the wake of the storm named Daniel.
In response to this overwhelming crisis, General Khalifa Haftar, the leader of the Libyan military group, swiftly issued directives to mobilize all available resources. These efforts encompassed the provision of urgent medical equipment, the deployment of medical convoys, and the allocation of shelters for those who had tragically lost their homes. Moreover, the government was directed to establish a specialized committee tasked with evaluating the extent of the damage and initiating immediate reconstruction efforts. Priority was placed on restoring vital infrastructure, including roads and electricity.
Georgette Gagnon, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Libya, expressed her deep sorrow over the disaster's impact on the nation. She called upon local, national, and international partners to extend urgent humanitarian aid to those affected, acknowledging the pressing need for support during this trying period.
The global community also rallied behind Libya in this time of crisis. President Joe Biden and the First Lady conveyed their heartfelt condolences to Libyan families who lost their loved ones in the floods. In a show of solidarity, the United States pledged emergency funds to assist the nation in its recovery.
Furthermore, U.S. Special Envoy to Libya Ambassador Richard Norland declared an official "humanitarian need" in response to the storm. This recognition highlights the severity of the situation and the urgent requirement for international assistance.
In this dark hour, Libya faces not only the daunting task of recovering from the immediate aftermath of the floods but also the immense challenge of rebuilding shattered lives and communities. As the nation grieves the loss of thousands of its citizens, the international community must stand united in providing the necessary support to help Libya heal and emerge stronger from this tragic ordeal.
