A powerful storm, Daniel, struck Libya, killing more than two thousand people and leaving about seven thousand more missing. In some places, the water level reached more than three meters.
The disaster was caused by the collapse of a dam over the town of Derna, which washed away entire neighborhoods with their residents.
The cities of Al-Bayda, Sousse, Al-Marj and Derna were flooded. A state of emergency was declared in these areas and a curfew was imposed.
“The number of missing persons is in the thousands, and the death toll exceeds 2,000. Entire neighborhoods in Derna disappeared along with their residents… they were washed away by the water,” local authorities said.
The city of Derna in eastern Libya has been declared a disaster zone after Medicane Daniel caused catastrophic flash flooding across the area overnight. Many residential buildings have been destroyed along the riverbanks. I fear we might be facing a mass casualty event. pic.twitter.com/QoVp8vzjpp
– Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 11, 2023
A three-day mourning period was declared in the country for the victims.
“The authorities have declared a state of emergency, closed schools and shops and imposed a curfew. In addition, four major oil ports – Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega and Al-Sidra – have been closed in the country,” the report said.
This is #Libya. This is not “It’s just weather” or “storms happen every day around the world”. This is not normal!#ClimateEmergency pic.twitter.com/h0L70FCvyZ
– Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 10, 2023
