The Libyan city of Derna is reeling from the aftermath of catastrophic floods that have claimed more than 5,300 lives and left at least 10,000 people missing, according to local authorities.
Triggered by a massive Mediterranean storm known as Storm Daniel, the deadly floods reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble, with buildings swept away, cars flipped onto their roofs, and streets submerged in mud and debris.
Hospitals and medical facilities have been overwhelmed, with grim scenes of victims wrapped in body bags laid out in hospital corridors and desperate attempts by anguished families to identify their missing loved ones.
Derna, a city with a population of approximately 125,000, is no stranger to flooding. Bisected by a seasonal river, the city has historically relied on dams to protect it from such disasters.
However, the recent floods have exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s infrastructure, particularly in dam maintenance, contributing to the severity of the calamity and prompting urgent calls for humanitarian assistance.
Pope Francis and leaders from around the world have expressed their profound sadness and condolences to the Libyan people in the face of this immense tragedy.
International aid, including search and rescue vehicles, rescue boats, generators, and food, is being rapidly dispatched to Libya to aid in relief efforts.
U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged emergency funds to support relief organizations in their mission to address the crisis.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has mobilized emergency response teams to provide crucial assistance to those affected.