The death toll in Derna is estimated at 11,300. The focus turned to providing assistance to survivors of the disaster.
Estimates of the death toll vary greatly. According to the latest official figures received from the Eastern Administration’s Minister of Health, Othman Abdeljalil, the natural disaster took the lives of 3,166 people.
However, according to today’s United Nations report, some 11,300 people have died in Derna alone. Referring to the Libyan Red Crescent, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs added that another 10,100 people were still missing.
These figures are expected to rise in the coming days and weeks as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors.
The world is consolidating to help the North African country cope with the consequences of horrific flooding. At least 40,000 people have fled their homes against their will in northeast Libya, according to the International Organisation for Migration. The organisation warned that the actual number of displaced people could be higher, given the hard-to-reach nature of the most damaged areas.
Storm Daniel caused torrential rains that destroyed two dams upstream from Derna. They were built to protect the harbour town of 100,000 people after severe flooding in the mid-20th century.
Rescue services continue to find bodies despite the fact that a week has passed. A crew from Malta’s Civil Protection Department found a beach coated in bodies on Friday, the Times of Malta reported.
The UN, Europe and the Middle East have sent international aid to the affected region, offering assistance to thousands of survivors.
The aid includes body bags, basic emergency medicines and surgical supplies. Countries have also provided tents, blankets, carpets, hygiene kits and food, as well as heavy equipment to clear debris.
