Search Continues for Over 10,000 Missing in Devastating Libya Flood
Rescue efforts persist in the eastern Libyan city of Derna as officials search for more than 10,000 individuals still missing in the aftermath of catastrophic floods. Reports indicate varying estimates of the death toll, with some officials citing over 5,000 fatalities, while the Red Crescent reports a death toll exceeding 11,300 in Derna, with an additional 170 confirmed dead elsewhere in the country.
Eastern Libya’s Health Minister, Othman Abduljaleel, reported that rescue teams are tirelessly scouring damaged structures in the city center, with divers searching the sea where hundreds of bodies were swept by the torrential waters. International aid has also been mobilized to assist in the relief efforts.
Prominent political figures from both western and eastern administrations within the divided country, including presidential council chairman Mohamed al-Menfi in the east and interim prime minister Abdel Hamid Dabaiba in the internationally recognized Tripoli-based government, have called for an inquiry. Led by the country’s attorney general, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, this inquiry aims to hold accountable those responsible for the city’s dam failures, as per al-Menfi’s statement.
Public anger has surged over perceived government failures and corruption. Aya Burweila, a Libyan security expert and commentator, characterized the disaster as a combination of natural and manmade factors. She emphasized the widespread corruption in Libya and the lack of government accountability. Burweila also pointed out the absence of advanced early warning systems, common in developed countries, which could have prevented many casualties.
Libya’s National Meteorological Centre did issue extreme weather warnings well in advance, but the effectiveness of disseminating these warnings remains uncertain. The tragic event underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and improved governance in the country.
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Rescue efforts persist in the eastern Libyan city of Derna as officials search for more than 10,000 individuals still missing in the aftermath of catastrophic floods. Reports indicate varying estimates of the death toll, with some officials citing over 5,000 fatalities, while the Red Crescent reports a death toll exceeding 11,300 in Derna, with an additional 170 confirmed dead elsewhere in the country.
Eastern Libya’s Health Minister, Othman Abduljaleel, reported that rescue teams are tirelessly scouring damaged structures in the city center, with divers searching the sea where hundreds of bodies were swept by the torrential waters. International aid has also been mobilized to assist in the relief efforts.
Prominent political figures from both western and eastern administrations within the divided country, including presidential council chairman Mohamed al-Menfi in the east and interim prime minister Abdel Hamid Dabaiba in the internationally recognized Tripoli-based government, have called for an inquiry. Led by the country’s attorney general, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, this inquiry aims to hold accountable those responsible for the city’s dam failures, as per al-Menfi’s statement.
Public anger has surged over perceived government failures and corruption. Aya Burweila, a Libyan security expert and commentator, characterized the disaster as a combination of natural and manmade factors. She emphasized the widespread corruption in Libya and the lack of government accountability. Burweila also pointed out the absence of advanced early warning systems, common in developed countries, which could have prevented many casualties.
Libya’s National Meteorological Centre did issue extreme weather warnings well in advance, but the effectiveness of disseminating these warnings remains uncertain. The tragic event underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and improved governance in the country.
End of Report
