At least 2,000 dead in flood, thousands missing as Storm Daniel sweeps Libya
VOV’s correspondent in Egypt -
(VOVWORLD) - At least 2,000 people were dead and thousands more were missing after a massive flood ripped through the city of Derna following heavy rains, said head of the self-proclaimed government in eastern Libya, Osama Hamad in a televised news conference.
 People stuck on the road when the storm hit Shahhat, Libya, September 11, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS) |
Hamad said that floodwaters swept away residential areas in Derna, which is about 900 km east of the capital, Tripoli. He said the number of people missing in the flood could reach many thousands.
Sources said storm Daniel caused two dams to break, triggering a devastating flood that submerged a large portion of Derna.
The eastern Libyan government declared a state of disaster in Derna and called on the international community for emergency aid.
Following reports of extensive human and material damage, several Middle Eastern and African countries offered to aid Libya. Tunisian President Kais Saied instructed agencies in Tunisia to prepare teams and goods to assist Libya, and President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan dispatched rescue teams and emergency aid to Libya. Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement affirming Jordan’s commitment to helping Libya recover from the floods.
VOV’s correspondent in Egypt