Devastating Floods Claim Thousands of Lives in Eastern Libya; UN Calls for Urgent Aid
- Posted on September 17, 2023
- News
- By Sakshi Gupta
- 234 Views
Catastrophic flooding has wreaked havoc on the eastern Libyan city of Derna, resulting in a staggering death toll that has now risen to 11,300 lives lost, according to a report by the United Nations. This tragedy has left the entire region in a state of shock and despair.
The United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, relying on data from the Libyan Red Crescent, also reports that an additional 10,100 individuals are still missing, their fates uncertain, as they remain unaccounted for amid the devastation that has gripped the city. Tragically, the death toll isn't limited to Derna alone, as the flooding claimed an additional 170 lives in other parts of eastern Libya.
The situation remains dire, with the UN warning that these already staggering figures are expected to rise as dedicated search-and-rescue teams tirelessly comb through the debris in the hopes of finding survivors. It's a race against time to save lives and offer solace to those who have lost loved ones.
The aftermath of Storm Daniel, which struck northeastern Libya nearly a week ago, has left Derna grappling with a humanitarian crisis. The city is plagued by severe drinking water shortages, leading to a dire health concern. Shockingly, at least 55 children have suffered from poisoning due to the consumption of contaminated water. Urgent efforts are underway to provide clean and safe drinking water to the city's residents.
Outside of Derna, in surrounding areas that have already endured years of armed conflict, a new danger has emerged. The UN has issued a grave warning about the potential for landmines to shift from the floodwaters, posing a threat to civilians who venture on foot.
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