The death toll in Libya continues to rise as authorities and relief efforts grapple with the aftermath of a devastating disaster. Mohamed Eljarh, spokesperson for the relief committee established by eastern Libyan authorities, has reported that the confirmed death toll now stands at 3,845 individuals.
However, this number only represents those whose burials have been officially recorded by the health ministry, and it is expected to increase daily.
Eljarh further explained that the tally does not account for those who were buried by residents in the initial days following the disaster on the night of September 10-11. As a result, authorities are collaborating with the community to compile a list of unrecorded burials and establish a register of the missing.
International aid organizations have estimated that the number of missing individuals may exceed 10,000.
The catastrophe has left many victims believed to have been swept out to sea, with their bodies continuing to wash ashore. Additionally, others are suspected to be trapped beneath the debris that now covers entire neighborhoods in the city of Derna.
The impact of the disaster extends beyond the loss of life, as more than 43,000 people have been displaced from Derna and surrounding areas in eastern Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The tragedy has prompted a massive humanitarian response as efforts are made to support those affected and recover the missing.
