10,000 people reported missing after dams burst in Mediterranean storm, causing catastrophic floods

Around 10,000 people have been reportedly missing following severe flooding in Libya, as reported by the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC). The flood, caused by the bursting of dams during a storm, has devastated a quarter of Derna, an eastern city. Local authorities have confirmed the recovery of over 1,000 bodies. It is believed that up to 2,000 people may have lost their lives in Derna alone. Tamer Ramadan, who leads the IFRC in Libya, stated, “We can confirm, based on our reliable sources, that the number of missing persons currently stands at 10,000. The death toll is staggering and could rise into the thousands.” Conditions in Libya are described as being as dire as those in Morocco, according to Mr. Ramadan.

Residents have reported burying more than 200 bodies in a single cemetery on Monday, and footage has revealed numerous bodies scattered across a hospital courtyard. The government in eastern Libya has declared Derna a disaster zone. Hichem Abu Chkiouat, the Minister of Civil Aviation in the eastern administration, shared, “I have just returned from Derna. The situation is highly catastrophic. Bodies are scattered everywhere – in the sea, in the valleys, and beneath the collapsed buildings.” He added, “The number of bodies recovered in Derna exceeds 1,000. When I say that 25% of the city has vanished, I am not exaggerating. Numerous buildings have crumbled.” Entire residential areas along the Wadi Derna, a river that flows from the mountains through the city centre, have been obliterated due to the heavy rainfall brought about by the Mediterranean storm, Daniel.

Multi-story apartment buildings, which were situated at some distance from the river, have partially collapsed into the mud.

Othman Abduljaleel, the Health Minister of eastern Libya, conveyed that Derna was inaccessible, with bodies strewn across the area. He stressed the need for international intervention, stating, “The situation is more grave and extensive than our initial expectations.” Derna is located approximately 560 miles east of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and is under the control of the forces led by the formidable military commander Khalifa Hifter, who is aligned with the eastern Libyan government. In contrast, armed groups connected to another administration govern western Libya, including Tripoli. (With inputs from agencies)