Storm Daniel Unleashes Devastating Floods in Eastern Libya

Libya floods, Storm Daniel, devastating floods, Derna, dams, infrastructure, emergency response, casualties, missing persons, international aid, disaster relief, political divide, neglect, rescue efforts, humanitarian crisis, UN assistance, climate change, extreme weather, natural disaster, Libya's challenges, infrastructure failure, flood victims, international solidarity, emergency funding, Red Crescent, UNICEF, Egypt's support, Iran's aid, Turkey's assistance, UN relief, flood aftermath, humanitarian aid.The interior ministry of Libya's eastern-based administration has reported a staggering death toll of more than 5,000 people due to the floods caused by Storm Daniel. However, aid agencies have provided lower estimates, warning that the number of victims could rise significantly as thousands are still unaccounted for. The flooding wreaked havoc on Derna, wiping out a quarter of this coastal city, as two dams burst under the heavy rains.

International Response

The United Nations has mobilized emergency teams to assist in this politically divided country, where rival administrations exist in the west and east, each backed by different militias and foreign governments.

Infrastructure Failures

Dams in Derna had not seen maintenance for more than two decades, and the city's infrastructure was ill-equipped to withstand the effects of this catastrophic flood. According to the city's deputy mayor, Ahmed Madroud, the dams had not been maintained since 2002. The first dam to fail was a mere 70 meters (230 feet) tall, and once it gave way, water accumulated behind the second dam, ultimately causing its rupture.

Climate Change Implications

Climate scientists are warning that events like Storm Daniel could become increasingly common as global temperatures rise. Lizzie Kendon, a climate science professor at the University of Bristol, emphasized that this storm illustrates the type of devastating flooding that may become more frequent in the future as the world heats up. Rising global sea surface temperatures are contributing to record levels of heat across the globe, with 2023 predicted to be one of the warmest years in human history.

Analysis and Critique

Analyst Anas El Gomati criticized Libyan authorities for their slow response to Storm Daniel. He argued that they had ample time to coordinate a better response, considering that the storm had already impacted Turkey and Greece before reaching Libya. El Gomati placed responsibility on local governments and the Libyan National Army, stating that their inaction and failure to raise the alarm were contributing factors.

International Aid

France has pledged to send a field hospital to Libya within 48 hours to aid flood victims. The support will include emergency teams and medical personnel to treat hundreds of people daily.

Concern for Citizens

Egypt has expressed concern for its citizens in Libya affected by the floods. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a hotline to facilitate communication between Egyptian citizens in Libya and the consulate in Benghazi. They are also coordinating with Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of Egyptians caught in the disaster.

UNHCR's Assistance

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Libya has expressed concern for the thousands of people missing or dead in the floods. They are transferring urgent relief items, including blankets, hygiene kits, and solar lamps, to support those affected.

Miraculous Escapes

Survivors in Derna have shared their harrowing experiences. Many described the sudden and catastrophic breach of the dams. Miraculously, some families managed to escape the rising waters, often with young children in tow.

Destruction Assessment

The deputy mayor of Derna, Ahmed Madroud, reported that at least 20 percent of the city had been destroyed. He cited the city's weak infrastructure and the clustering of buildings in narrow streets near the river as contributing factors.

Emergency Response

Khalifa Haftar, the renegade military commander supporting Libya's eastern-based administration, emphasized the immediate focus on emergency response. He called for the reconstruction of roads, restoration of electricity, and urgent financial support.

Palestinian Tragedy

A Palestinian family of eight was among the victims in eastern Libya. The consulate of Palestine in Benghazi confirmed their deaths, along with additional missing Palestinians.

Rising Death Toll

The death toll continues to climb, with the interior ministry of eastern Libya's administration now reporting over 5,200 people dead, primarily in Derna. Aid agencies warn that the number of victims could rise further as many remain unaccounted for. Identification and burial processes are ongoiTol

International Assistance

France, Turkey, and Iran have all offered support and aid to Libya in response to the disaster, providing medical and humanitarian assistance.

By : Sunil Kumar, Attingal.