Heavy floods caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel in Libya have resulted in the deaths of an estimate 2,000 people, with thousands more missing.
The confirmed death toll from the aftermath of storm Daniel is currently at 38, but does not yet include Derna, the storm Daniel’s worst-hit city.
Video footage shows the magnitude of the devastation of storm Daniel, with entire residential blocks wiped out and buildings reduced to rubble in the muddy aftermath of the storm Daniel.
Prime Minister Ossama Hamad declared Derna a disaster zone and called for local and international agencies to provide assistance to help the residents affected by Storm Daniel.
The devastating storm Daniel in Derna has not only caused widespread destruction but has also exposed the vulnerable state of Libya’s infrastructure.
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Storm Daniel has highlighted the weakened infrastructure in Libya following years of conflict.
Storm Daniel caused two dams to burst, resulting in the city of Derna being “completely cut off.” At least 1,000 bodies recovered so far, while reports suggest between 5,000 and 6,000 people are missing, Al Jazeera reports.
The collapse of the dams unleashed a massive wall of water, erasing residential areas and partially collapsing buildings. Videos and images from the affected areas showed people stranded on rooftops.
Search-and-rescue efforts are challenging due to Libya’s division between two rival administrations, Al Jazeera added.
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