The catastrophic floods in Libya have left thousands missing and have highlighted the need for civil society and freedom of the press to address the underlying issues of marginalization, neglect, and corruption. International intervention is needed to help those affected by this disaster.
Mustafa al-Trabelsi, a poet from Derna, Libya, warned of the risk of a flood in the city before he died in the storms. His poem, titled “The Rain,” highlighted the failures of the state and the vulnerability of the poor. The city of Derna is now grappling with the aftermath of the floods, with many lives lost and buildings destroyed. Despite acts of generosity and support from across Libya, the tragedy has brought to light the need for civil society and freedom of the press to address the underlying issues of marginalization, neglect, and corruption.
According to the newspaper الرئيس نيوز, the death toll may reach up to 20,000 people in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods. Abdulmunim Al-Ghaithi, in statements to international media yesterday, Wednesday, indicated that between 18,000 and 20,000 people are believed to have perished based on a survey of the areas destroyed in the city. A spokesperson for the administration of eastern Libya stated that over 5,300 bodies have been recovered in Derna alone so far, and according to the International Organization for Migration, at least 30,000 people have become homeless.
The Mediterranean Sea storm “Daniel” caused heavy rainfall to the extent that the resulting floods destroyed two dams used to collect rainwater near Derna. Access to the city has now become almost impossible, despite some relief workers managing to reach the area.
The newspaper أخبار قطر reported that with the collapse of the dams on the outskirts of their city and the flooding of the streets of the Libyan city of Derna, bodies and buildings were swept away. Rabia Hatem Yassin and her pregnant sister, along with many elderly members of their family, climbed a neighbor’s ladder to safety. They reached the rooftop and escaped the flood. From there, they ran from rooftop to rooftop along their narrow street.
Libyan authorities announced on Wednesday that over 10,000 people are missing as a result of the catastrophic floods that hit the northeastern part of the country. Mayor of Derna, Abdelmonem Al-Ghaithi, told Al Arabiya channel that the death toll, which has already exceeded 5,000, could reach 20,000 based on the number of areas that were destroyed.
Much-needed assistance has been flowing into the eastern half of the country on Wednesday. However, the difficulty of accessing the heavily damaged city of Derna, the most affected on the Mediterranean coast, remains a major obstacle to delivering aid, according to international relief groups.
Kamal Abu Bakr, head of an agency tasked with finding and identifying missing persons, said it may take weeks, months, or even years because the destruction is widespread, and bodies have been scattered over tens of kilometers.
The floods began after heavy rains caused the collapse of two dams south of Derna over the weekend, resulting in torrents of water flowing into the city, home to nearly 100,000 people. Large parts of the city were destroyed, and entire neighborhoods, including homes, schools, and mosques, were swept away.
The United Nations has allocated $10 million from its Emergency Response Fund to help those affected by the floods. Support is pouring in from countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. US President Joe Biden has also decided to send emergency funds to relief organizations.
The catastrophic floods in Libya have left thousands missing and have highlighted the need for civil society and freedom of the press to address the underlying issues of marginalization, neglect, and corruption. International intervention is needed to help those affected by this disaster.
TheLittleTwentieth - Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused 