Libya Appeals for International Support After Devastating Floods
Description: In the wake of the devastating floods in Libya, authorities have reached out to the international community for assistance. Turkey has already pledged aid, while the Libyan government fears the death toll could exceed 2,000.
The situation in war-torn Libya has become catastrophic following severe weather conditions. Large parts of the country’s northern region have been inundated with floodwater, with the city of Derna being particularly hard-hit by Storm “Daniel”. Captured footage circulating in the media shows numerous buildings along the riverbanks submerged in water. Rescue operations have been challenging, with the emergency services relying on helicopter support due to disrupted power and internet connections.
An official from the city council reported on Libya al-Ahrar TV that four crucial bridges and two dams had collapsed in Derna. He emphasized the necessity for both national and international intervention. The Head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Manfi, took to Facebook to request assistance from “brotherly and friendly countries, as well as international organizations”.
Turkey Sends Rescue Teams
Turkey has already announced its readiness to help. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on the online platform X (formerly Twitter) that the government would send three aircraft with rescue and relief teams, two search and rescue vehicles, and two rescue boats. The Turkish rescue team consists of members from the Gendarmerie, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and NGOs, totaling 168 personnel. Additionally, tents, blankets, and other supplies are being dispatched.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “solidarity” with the “Libyan people” and confirmed that resources were being mobilized to provide immediate assistance. The spokesperson for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, conveyed his “compassion and condolences” to those affected, asserting that Washington is working alongside the United Nations and Libyan authorities to extend aid.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
No verifiable information regarding the number of casualties is currently available. The government in the eastern part of the country anticipates thousands of deaths. Osama Hammad, Prime Minister of one of the rival governments in the war-torn nation, informed Al-Massar TV that he estimated “more than 2,000 deaths and thousands of missing persons” in Derna alone.
The head of the Red Crescent organization in Benghazi, Kais Fhakeri, previously described the situation as “catastrophic”. However, he mentioned only 150 deaths and speculated that the number could rise to 250. The source of the regional government’s figures remains unclear. Various medical sources and rescue services have also reported numerous people still missing. The military also stated that seven soldiers were among the missing.
Heaviest Rainfall in Over 40 Years
Aside from Derna, flooding has been reported in the coastal region of Dschabal Al-Achdar, including the cities of Al-Bayda and Susah, as well as the more western region of Al-Mardsch. The port city of Benghazi has also been affected, prompting a curfew and school closures. Storm “Daniel” made landfall in Libya on Sunday, with the Tripoli government led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba proclaiming it the most severe rainfall in over four decades. Authorities have highlighted that hundreds of individuals in remote areas remain cut off from the outside world, with military-assisted rescue teams striving to reach them. The eastern part of Libya houses the largest oil fields and port terminals for oil exports. In light of the floods, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) has imposed its highest alert level and significantly scaled back production activities.
Libya plunged into a civil war following the overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Numerous militias continue to vie for power in this oil-rich North African state. Presently, two rival governments, each holding authority in the east and west, are engaged in conflict. All diplomatic endeavors to peacefully resolve the crisis have thus far failed, with foreign powers exacerbating the situation.
