Massive Rescue Operation in Libya: 10000 Missing Death Toll Surpasses 11000 in Flooded City

In Derna, Libya, authorities have taken urgent measures as they evacuate residents from a city overwhelmed by flooding. The devastating floods, triggered by the collapse of two dams during a Mediterranean storm named Daniel, have left more than 11,000 people dead, with an additional 10,000 individuals missing and feared dead. This calamity, compounded by Libya’s ongoing political instability, has brought a rare sense of unity as government agencies from both sides of the political divide have rallied to aid the affected regions. However, relief efforts have been hampered by the destruction of key bridges connecting the city.

Derna’s streets are now strewn with debris, twisted metal, and submerged vehicles, all covered in a thick layer of tan mud. In response to this crisis, teams have been forced to bury bodies in mass graves both outside the city and in nearby towns, according to Othman Abduljaleel, the Health Minister of Eastern Libya. Yet, officials remain deeply concerned that thousands of victims are yet to be located.

Bilal Sablouh, the Regional Forensics Manager for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross, provided a chilling account of the dire circumstances: “The streets are now strewn with bodies, some even washing back up on the shore, while others remain buried under the rubble of collapsed buildings and debris. Shockingly, within a mere two hours, one of my colleagues counted more than 200 lifeless bodies along the beach near Derna.”

Divers are now combing the coastal waters off the city in search of victims. Survivor Adel Ayad recounted the horrifying sight of floodwaters rising to the fourth floor of his building, sweeping people away from rooftops.

To facilitate emergency response efforts, authorities have decided to evacuate residents from Derna, allowing only search-and-rescue teams to enter. This measure aims to provide space for these teams to carry out their crucial work.

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While the risk of disease in standing water is a concern, health officials have emphasized that there is no rush for mass burials or the interment of the deceased in mass graves, as bodies typically do not pose a risk in such circumstances. Instead, the focus is on providing access to safe water for the affected population.

Imene Trabelsi, a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, has issued a warning about another peril lurking amidst the mud: landmines and other explosive remnants left behind by Libya’s protracted conflict. These remnants pose a serious threat to search teams and could also endanger civilians in the long term. Libya has a history of explosive remnants dating back to World War II, but the majority are remnants of the civil conflict that erupted in 2011.

The Libyan Red Crescent reported that as of Thursday, 11,300 people in Derna had lost their lives, with another 10,100 individuals reported as missing. Unfortunately, there is little hope that many of the missing will be found alive. The storm also claimed approximately 170 lives in other parts of the country.

This tragedy also impacted migrants, with reports of dozens of Sudanese migrants losing their lives in the disaster. Libya has become a major transit point for Middle Eastern and African migrants seeking refuge in Europe, fleeing conflict and poverty in their home countries.

Flooding during the rainy season is not uncommon in Libya, but the scale of destruction caused by this event is highly unusual. Scientists have noted that the storm shares some characteristics of climate change, with exceptionally warm sea water providing it with additional energy and causing it to move more slowly. Political chaos in Libya has also been cited as a contributing factor to the extent of the disaster. Many residents, like Khalifa Othman, blame authorities for inadequate preparedness, adding to the collective grief and frustration in Derna.