The Mediterranean cyclone “Daniel” that hit Libya in the early hours of Sunday has left a devastating toll. According to medical sources cited by Anadolu Agency, approximately 2,800 people have perished due to the subsequent floods that ravaged eastern Libyan cities.
The Presidential Council of Libya declared Derna, Shahat, and Al Bayda in Cyrenaica as disaster-stricken areas in light of the floods. Their statement expressed, “Feeling a sense of responsibility and recognizing the severe consequences of this catastrophe, we declare these areas as disaster zones and call upon brotherly and friendly countries, as well as international organizations, to provide assistance and support.”
A member of the crisis room of the Libyan Red Crescent Association, in an exclusive statement to Anadolu, confirmed that, “The total statistics received by the room from all branches of the Red Crescent amount to 2,800 fatalities.” The source further added that these figures span across all the cities affected by the floods due to the cyclone that hit eastern Libya. The deaths comprise those who drowned and others who perished due to collapsing residential buildings.
Furthermore, it was reported that “there are about 7,000 families currently trapped in the disaster-stricken areas, with ongoing rescue operations.” There’s also a considerable number of missing individuals yet to be accounted for, particularly in Derna, where telecommunication lines have been cut off.
The government, appointed by the Libyan parliament, had previously designated the city of Derna as a disaster area following the storm which originated from Greece. The cyclone’s effects extended to other regions and cities in eastern Libya, peaking on Sunday.
Cyclone “Daniel” is one of the most severe cyclones to hit the Mediterranean region, particularly impacting nations around its basin. Libya, given its unique geographic and socio-political context, has been profoundly affected by the cyclone, resulting in a significant loss of life and property.
