A Mediterranean storm hit Libya on Sept. 12, causing dams to overflow and flood multiple eastern cities, wiping out a quarter of the coastal city, Derna.
At least 6,000 are dead and another 10,000 are missing, leaving morgues at capacity and dead bodies lining the streets. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams search for survivors and hospitals remain non-operational. With Libya under split political control, rescue and aid delivery has been hindered while other countries decide where to send help. More than 30,000 Libyans remain displaced after the floods washed away multiple cities.
President Joe Biden put out a statement Tuesday, announcing his support plans.
“In this difficult hour, the United States is sending emergency funds to relief organizations and coordinating with the Libyan authorities and the UN to provide additional support,” Biden said. “We join the Libyan people in grieving the loss of too many lives cut short, and send our hope to all those missing loved ones.”
Other countries including Jordan, Qatar and Egypt have expressed their condolences and sent supplies via aid planes. Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, also funded shelter camps in the western coastal region for survivors.
“I wish a speedy recovery for the injured, and I hope that the crisis will pass quickly with Libyans standing together in unity,” El-Sisi said.
Abdulmenam Al-Ghaithi, Derna’s mayor, voiced his concern for the long-term effects the flooding may cause.
“We actually need teams specialized in recovering bodies,” Al-Ghaithi said. “I fear that the city will be infected with an epidemic due to the large number of bodies under the rubble and in the water.”
For information on how to help Libya, visit this article to get involved.
