At least 2,000 people died in Libya and thousands remain unaccounted for after devastating floods.
According to official reports, the deaths happened after raging waters wept through the city of Derna following a heavy storm and rain on Monday 11, September.
Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA) that controls eastern Libya, said in a news conference that the disaster came after dams above Derna had collapsed, “sweeping whole neighborhoods with their residents into the sea”.
The head of a parallel eastern-based administration, Osama Hamad told local television that more than 2,000 lost their lives with hundreds still missing.
Earlier on Monday, the head of the Red Crescent aid group in the region had stated that the death toll was likely to increase.
Authorities in Libya declared a state of extreme emergency, closing schools and stores and imposing a curfew.
The disaster has hugely affected businesses as major oil ports – Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega and Es Sidra in the country have been closed.
Foreign Aid for Libya
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey, the country expressed its condolences and pledged to offer support.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives of many of our Libyan brothers and sisters due to hurricane Daniel that affected Libya since yesterday (September 10), and especially hit the east coast of the country.
We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in the hurricane, convey our condolences to Libya and wish a swift recovery to the injured.
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Turkey is ready, as always, to provide all kind of support needed to brotherly Libya in the face of this natural disaster,” the statement read in part.
In addition, the government of Turkey sent three aircrafts transporting a rescue team and humanitarian aid to Libya.
The ministry said it was working with all institutions to coordinate its help and support to Libya.
In Tripoli, the interim government directed all state agencies to immediately deal with the damage and floods in eastern cities.
Besides, the United States issued a press statement on Monday 11, with President Joe Biden’s government expressing its sympathies.
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“The United States expresses its sympathies and condolences to those affected by the devastating flooding in Libya.
The United States is coordinating with United Nation partners and Libyan authorities on how we can assist the ongoing relief efforts,” read part of the statement.
Qatar’s state news agency reported that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani instructed the government to send aid to the affected area in eastern Libya.
