Libya, a nation already grappling with political instability, has been further devastated by the catastrophic flooding unleashed by Storm Daniel. This natural disaster has left a wake of destruction, hampering rescue efforts and raising concerns over the increasing death toll and the challenges that lie ahead for this beleaguered nation.
The Toll of Tragedy
The eastern city of Derna, in particular, has borne the brunt of the disaster, with a staggering death toll estimated at 3,000, and approximately 10,000 individuals still missing. These figures are reported by both the eastern administration and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Libyan Red Crescent, on the other hand, has recorded 2,084 deaths. Derna remains largely cut off from the outside world, with no road access, and the absence of internet and power, further complicating the grim situation.
Understanding the Catastrophe
The heavy rainfall accompanying Storm Daniel triggered extensive flooding across various regions in eastern Libya, which is controlled by a separate government. Cities such as Benghazi, Susa, Bayda, and al-Marj were affected, but Derna suffered the most. The calamity escalated as two dams upstream of Derna burst, unleashing a torrent of water that engulfed the area, obliterating roads and bridges. Surrounded by mountains, the city fell victim to flash floods, with water levels reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet).
Heart-wrenching images and footage depict the widespread devastation, including entire neighborhoods along the River Derna being reduced to rubble. Even multi-story apartment buildings, once safely distanced from the river's path, were severely damaged or partially collapsed into the mire. Cars were seen helplessly swept away by the relentless muddy currents.
Challenges Ahead
The scale of flooding trapped within a valley harnessed the water's power to wreak havoc on infrastructure, including the loss of a crucial seafront bridge and impassable roads to Derna. Libya's tumultuous history, marked by continuous infighting since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, adds another layer of complexity. In the west of the country, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's administration is internationally recognized, while the east is governed by the House of Representatives (HoR), based in Benghazi. This political rift has left Libya with a fragile infrastructure.
The eastern authorities have sought assistance, but the central bank, responsible for distributing funds across the nation, acknowledges only the western government. The political and military differences between these factions raise questions about fund allocation, expenditure oversight, and supervision responsibilities, making cooperation on flood recovery challenging.
The Road to Recovery
Emergency assistance efforts are set to continue for an extended period, with Libya's Health Minister, Othman Abduljaleel, emphasizing that many bodies remain trapped beneath the rubble or have been carried away by the sea. An international intervention has been called for, highlighting the dire need for external support.
Several countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, have expressed their readiness to provide humanitarian aid and personnel for search and rescue operations. As of now, a collective effort involving government workers, military personnel, volunteers, and local residents is underway, with individuals tirelessly digging through the debris to rescue survivors and retrieve the deceased. The deployment of heavy equipment, such as excavators, has been initiated, though accessing severely affected areas remains an uphill struggle.
Prime Minister Dbeibah announced an aid plane carrying 14 tonnes of essential supplies, medicine, equipment, and medical personnel destined for Benghazi. However, the path to recovery for Libya is laden with obstacles, both natural and political, and its people continue to endure an arduous journey toward rebuilding their lives amidst the aftermath of Storm Daniel.
0 Comments