The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that the storm “Daniel” has caused the displacement of more than 36,000 people in Libya. A staggering 30,000 of these are from the city of Derna, which suffered extensive damage. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges in the area, has been severely affected.
The United Nations website cited Mohammed Ali Abu Najila, the spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration for the Middle East and North Africa, as stating that the devastating impacts of the storm “Daniel” represent “one of the worst humanitarian crises Libya has faced in its history.”
Access Challenges to Derna The spokesperson emphasized the significant challenges faced in accessing Derna, particularly due to the extensive infrastructure damage. This includes interruptions in communication networks and power, as well as the collapse of bridges connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. Abu Najila mentioned, “Over 100,000 migrant workers of Egyptian, Sudanese, and Chadian nationalities reside in the six regions affected by the storm.” He further noted the alarming statistic of 250 Egyptian workers who lost their lives due to the floods, describing the figure as significant and tragic.
The UN official added, “The death toll is continually rising, and there is a lack of clarity and consistency in the actual numbers. However, the real figures are certainly much higher, and we will issue reports in the coming days and hours to reflect the magnitude of the catastrophic crisis the country is enduring.”
A powerful storm hit eastern Libya last Sunday, with heavy rainfall causing two dams in Derna to collapse. This resulted in a forceful rush of water through what is typically a dry riverbed. Officially recorded deaths due to the floods, especially in Derna, reached 3,166 cases by 5 pm on Friday (15th September 2023), according to Osman Abduljalil, the Minister of Health in the government assigned by the House of Representatives.
Libya, located in North Africa, has long been grappling with political instability and internal conflict, making the country vulnerable to such natural calamities. Often, infrastructure, medical, and emergency response facilities are strained due to a combination of ongoing strife and external factors like weather calamities.
This recent storm highlights the challenges that arise in regions already burdened by internal issues, emphasizing the need for international support and cooperation. The plight of migrant workers, often living in vulnerable conditions, adds another layer of concern during such crises.
