In the wake of severe floods in Derna, Libya, international rescue teams are seeking more resources for victim recovery.
Over a week has passed since the flooding, and many victims still remain submerged. Some of these victims are in areas which need specialized equipment for recovery.
A meeting in Derna, attended by representatives from countries including Russia, Turkey, Italy, and other Arab nations, saw the Tunisian mission’s spokesperson emphasizing the urgency of increased support.
Teams from the UAE, Egypt, and Algeria have discovered victims along the Mediterranean coast, notably in areas like bays and coves which demand particular types of boats. An Algerian team member identified approximately 50 bodies near a cliff, around seven nautical miles from the port of Derna, a place accessible only by boats and divers.
According to an Egyptian representative, with the right kind of boats, it’s possible to recover around 100 bodies daily.
Flooding in Derna has moved significant portions of the city into the Mediterranean Sea. While the exact death count is yet to be confirmed, a UN report suggests about 11,300 fatalities. In contrast, the Libyan health ministry recorded 3,252 deaths, leading to varied official numbers.
Storm Daniel’s heavy rainfalls led to the displacement of over 40,000 individuals in northeastern Libya. Several reasons, such as aging infrastructure, lack of adequate warnings, and escalating climate change effects, have contributed to the storm’s devastation.
Derna, which had a population of nearly 100,000, currently uses its waterfront as the main area for the retrieval and burial of bodies, addressing health issues from decomposing remains.
Volunteers in Derna have faced difficulties in identifying victims after a week due to changes in appearance.
One volunteer, Asma Awad, said she lost several relatives, including her husband’s entire family. She recalled that Derna was a beautiful city, but now she was uncertain about its future.