The United Nations has released a shocking report revealing that the death toll resulting from the catastrophic Derna floods that recently struck the city of Derna, Libya, has reached a staggering 11,300. However, the Libyan Red Crescent has denied this toll, expressing dismay at being associated with these figures.
Nearly a week after a devastating deluge swept through Derna, taking the lives of thousands, the focus has now shifted to providing care and assistance to the survivors.
Estimates of the Derna floods death toll have been widely disparate. The most recent official figure, provided by Othman Abdeljalil, the health minister of the eastern-based administration, suggests that 3,166 lives were lost. However, the United Nations’ latest report, released on Sunday, indicates that the death toll in Derna alone has risen to 11,300. According to the report, an additional 10,100 people remain missing in the city, and these numbers are expected to increase in the coming days and weeks as search-and-rescue teams continue their efforts.
Despite the UN’s report citing the Libyan Red Crescent, the organization later denied that the flooding had resulted in 11,300 deaths. Libyan Red Crescent spokesman Tawfik Shoukri expressed shock and stated that such figures only add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing.
International aid is now pouring into the North African nation as the world mobilizes to assist emergency services in dealing with the aftermath of this deadly Derna floods. According to the International Organization for Migration, at least 40,000 people have been displaced in northeastern Libya, and this number is likely higher given the challenges in accessing the worst-affected areas.
Investigation Underway as Derna Floods Expose Infrastructure Neglect in Libya
The Derna Floods were exacerbated by poor infrastructure in Libya, a nation grappling with turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising that led to the removal and death of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Questions are arising as to why preventive measures were not taken, especially since cracks in the dams have been known since 1998.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dam collapse has been initiated by Prosecutor General Al-Seddik Al-Sour. The dams, like much of Libya’s infrastructure, had fallen into disrepair during years of neglect and conflict in the country, which is currently governed by two rival administrations vying for power.
Aside from the immediate challenges as a result of the Derna floods, aid organizations have also raised concerns about the risks posed by unexploded ordnance and landmines, some of which have been displaced by the floodwaters into areas previously declared safe. Additionally, there is a high risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, in the affected regions.
The Derna floods have claimed an additional 170 lives outside Derna, according to the UN’s report. The National Centre for Disease Control reported that at least 55 children were poisoned due to drinking polluted water in Derna.
