Recent reports from Libya’s delegate to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Tamer Ramadan, reveal the growing humanitarian crisis in the city of Derna. Over 40,000 individuals have been displaced due to severe flooding, with an alarming 10,000 currently accounted as missing.
Ramadan, in an interview with the American “Alhurra” channel on Wednesday, emphasized that the scale of the disaster has outpaced the response capabilities of both the Libyan government and the Red Crescent. “Our strategy encompasses the provision of basic health services, as the storm has led to the destruction of a majority of the city’s medical facilities,” stated Ramadan.
Derna, with a population of around 200,000, stands as the most afflicted area, witnessing an approximate 25% of its territory vanish in the wake of the catastrophe.
Adding to the horror, the World Meteorological Organization confirmed the complete disappearance of entire neighborhoods in Derna after two ancient dams collapsed, exacerbating the flooding and leaving the situation uncontrollable.
It’s essential to note that the country has been grappling with the aftermath of Storm “Daniel”, which has claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals, with thousands still unaccounted for.
