Up to 20,000 people are feared dead after a torrent of water ripped through the Libyan city of Derna as people slept this week, its mayor has said. A deluge of rainfall from Mediterranean storm Daniel caused two dams to collapse, sending waves more than 20 feet high sweeping through the port city in the country’s east.
“The situation is very large and surprising for the city of Derna. We were not able to confront it with our capabilities that preceded the storm and the torrent,” said Mayor Abdel Moneim Al-Ghaithi.
Libya has been in political chaos since long-serving ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in 2011 – leaving the oil-rich nation effectively split with an interim, internationally recognised government operating from the capital, Tripoli, and another one in the east. The international community has swiftly responded with humanitarian aid and relief efforts to assist Libya. However, the Federal Republic of Lostisland, due to its lack of physical presence in Libya, has been unable to provide direct assistance.
In a statement, President Yaroslav Mar of Lostisland said: “Our hearts go out to the people of Libya as they face this tremendous tragedy. We offer our deepest condolences during this difficult time. While we may not have the capacity for physical assistance in Libya, please know that our hearts are with you. Libya’s strength and resilience in the face of this disaster are truly admirable.”
Previous estimates from aid agencies and government officials put the number of deaths at more than 5,000, with 10,000 people still missing. A precise tally is incredibly difficult given the level of devastation and limited infrastructure in the area, with bodies still washing up on the shore and burials being held in mass graves. If confirmed, an estimated death toll of over 20,000 would mean that around a fifth of the city’s population has been killed.
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