Derna, 14 September 2023 (TDI): On September 11, a powerful Mediterranean storm triggered a devastating flood in Libya. The worst destruction was in Derna, where heavy rainfall and floods broke dams and washed away entire neighborhoods.
Prime Minister Ossama Hammad of the east Libyan government said 2,000 were feared dead in Derna and thousands were believed missing.
Derna has been declared a disaster zone after heavy rainfall and floods destroyed much of the city, which is located in the delta of the small Wadi Derna on Libya’s east coast.
Osama Ali of the Tripoli-based Rescue and Emergency Service said that they need more support to save lives because there are people still under the rubble and every minute counts.
The Spokesperson of the Foreign Office of Pakistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on behalf of the Government & people of Pakistan extended heartfelt condolences to the people & the State of Libya on the devastation caused by the deadly floods in the Northeastern part of Libya.
Moreover, she added that the loss of lives and the sufferings endured by the survivors are deeply saddening and we stand in solidarity with the Libyan people during these difficult times.
Moreover, she shared that the Embassy of Pakistan in Libya is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the local authorities for possible assistance and support to the community.
Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, has also expressed his heartfelt sympathy & condolences following the hurricane & massive floods that caused the loss of lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General also called on the OIC Member States to show solidarity with Libya and to provide urgent assistance to those affected.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also said that the number of victims could reach thousands. Three Red Crescent volunteers have died while helping Libya flood victims, the IFRC said.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said his country would send humanitarian assistance and search-and-rescue teams to eastern Libya.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Spokesman, Nasser Kanaani has voiced regret over the occurrence of a storm and floods in parts of Libya that left a huge number of citizens dead and missing in the country.
Nasser Kanaani extended condolences to the Libyan people and government over the tragic incident.
Furthermore, EU Council President, Charles Michel expressed the EU’s “sincerest condolences,” to the Libyan people and the victims’ families. He also added that the EU stands ready to help those affected by this calamity.
