In eastern Libya’s city of Derna, which was ravaged by torrential rain and dam collapses, survivors face a new battle. A vaccination campaign has been launched to address growing concerns about disease outbreaks due to contaminated water and a lack of sanitation. The United Nations, local officials, aid agencies, and the World Health Organisation have all expressed concerns about these risks.
The health minister of the eastern administration in the divided country announced the commencement of the vaccination campaign, emphasizing its importance in protecting those on the ground and preventing potential infections. Priority will be given to rescue workers, healthcare professionals, and children.
As traumatised residents grapple with the aftermath of the floods, clean water, food, and basic supplies are in high demand. Cholera, diarrhoea, dehydration, and malnutrition are looming threats, prompting urgent warnings from the UN.
International emergency response teams and aid have been mobilized from countries including France, Greece, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Search and rescue efforts continue tirelessly, but the sheer scale of the disaster has made it challenging to establish accurate death tolls. Conflicting reports suggest a significant number of missing people.
The health minister from the eastern administration reported over 3,300 confirmed deaths in Derna, while the Tripoli-based government announced plans to construct a temporary bridge over the city’s wadi. The rupture of two upstream river dams triggered the devastating flood, leaving a city of 100,000 in ruins.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations has initiated an aid appeal, seeking more than $71 million to support recovery efforts in the region.
