Death toll from floods reaches 11,300 in Libya's coastal city of Derna
- 17 Sep 2023
At least 11,300 people have died and another 10,100 are missing from the coastal city of Derna one week after Storm Daniel hit northeastern Libya, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported.
An estimated 170 people have been killed as a result of the flooding elsewhere in the country, and more than 40,000 people have been displaced, the UN report said, citing the latest data from International Organisation for Migration. Figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue to look for survivors.
"The humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna," the update said. Severe drinking water problems have gripped the city, and at least 55 children were poisoned from drinking polluted water, it said.
In surrounding areas, most of which have seen years of armed conflict, the UN warned of the dangers of landmines shifting from floodwaters, threatening civilians who enter on foot.
Floods have also completely destroyed at least 891 buildings in Derna, its official news agency reported on Sunday, citing figures from a team assigned by the Libyan National Unity Government.
An additional 211 buildings were partially damaged and 398 others were submerged in mud, the report added, leaving a total of a quarter buildings damaged in the flood-ravaged city.
Meanwhile, Russia said it has sent 35 emergency doctors and humanitarian aid to eastern Libya, after the country was hit by unprecedented flooding a week ago.
"The ministry's third plane with specialists... has landed in Libya. Around 35 employees of Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations will provide medical assistance to the population affected by the floods," said the ministry in a statement.
A mobile hospital has already been sent by Russia with operating theatres and an intensive care unit. The 35 physicians will provide "qualified medical assistance" to "up to 100 people" per day at the site, the ministry said.
Agencies
