Libya Floods: At Least 2,000 Feared Dead; 5,000 Could Be Missing In City Of Derna As Dams Collapsed

More than 2,000 are feared dead following the catastrophic floods in Libya.

Officials said that Storm Daniel had brought torrential rains and massive inundation in the eastern portion of the country that later on swept villages and neighborhoods into the sea.

The feared death toll was according to Prime Minister Ossama Hamad, who was leading the east Libyan government.

Authorities said that between 5,000 to 6,000 individuals are still missing.

Effects of heavy rains

Storm Daniel had made landfall in Libya causing severe weather conditions, including powerful winds and sudden heavy rainfalls that greatly affected several areas in the northeastern portion of Libya.

The bad weather then resulted in significant infrastructure damage, including road networks, as well as a wide disruption in the telecommunications networks. It further caused the displacement of hundreds of families and migrants.

Individuals who were previously displaced by the conflict, many of whom were those residing from Tawergha as well as those who are residing in Benghazi when the storm hit are presently staying in schools in the area.

Officials bared that the severe pressure from the torrential downpours in the City of Derna had resulted in the collapse of dams, which later destroyed residences, roads and streets.

The Municipal Council of Derna confirmed that two dams had collapsed.

Communication lines were also shutdown in the city, authorities said.

There have been unprecedented floods that took place in the cities of Al-Bayda, Derna, Al-Marj, Tobruk, Takenis, Al-Bayada, and Battah. Moreover, the cities and villages of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar and the eastern coast, all the way to Benghazi, have also experienced deep inundation.

The torrents of the water had later on submerged cars and caused the collapse of many buildings and facilities.

Due to the current condition, authorities are having difficulties in providing an accurate number on the casualties, with communications still down.

So far, Storm Daniel is forecasted to hit parts of west Egypt, with the country's meteorological authorities already issuing stern warnings about the possibility of rains and bad weather.

Assistance

The UNICEF already vowed to assist the victims of Storm Daniel in Libya. Michele Servadei, UNICEF Libya Representative already expressed sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones following the storm.

"Unicef Libya expresses deep condolences to all people who lost family members in East Libya due to floods. We stand ready to support relief operations for the displaced, children and in hospitals. We are in touch with relevant authorities," Servadei said.

Amid the crisis, the UNICEF Libya has already responded with urgency as it already mobilizes at least 1,100 hygiene kits and vital medical supplies for 10,000 people. It also provided essential clothing kits for at least 500 children.

It vowed that it would coordinate with Libyan authorities for more support and assistance for the victims.

A directive to all state agencies to "immediately deal" with the damage and floods.

Libya has been divided between two rival administrations since 2014 after the killing of its long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Meanwhile, the United Nations in Libya also said it was closely monitoring the storm as it also committed to provide urgent relief assistance in support of response efforts at local and national levels.

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