After Morocco’s earthquake, A catastrophic flood disaster struck Libya. It left a trail of devastation in its wake. According to reports by local news channels, the death toll surpassed 5,000 and over 10,000 people still missing. The country faces one of the most tragic moments in its history. This disaster was triggered by the sudden collapse of two dams in Derna, a northeastern city in Libya.
The Unfolding Tragedy & The Scale of Destruction Of Libya Flood
The nightmare unfolded on the night of Sunday, September 10, 2023. As a fierce storm struck the coast, the residents of Derna were startled by deafening explosions. Soon, they realized that dams outside the city had broken. The breach sent a flood racing down Wadi Derna, a river that wanders the mountains through the city and into the sea.
The sheer scale of destruction is heart-wrenching. Satellite images captured before and after the floodwaters surged through the dams reveal the monstrosity of the deadly impact caused by Mediterranean Storm Daniel. Nearly a quarter of Derna, home to approximately 90,000 people, was mercilessly washed away by the unforgiving floods.
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A Nation in Crisis
This flood disaster has exposed the vulnerability of a nation. It has already endured years of turmoil and conflict. Libya currently struggles with the challenge of having two rival governments. The first one is in the east and another in the west. The resulting political instability has delayed the progress and investment in critical infrastructure across numerous towns and villages.
While rescue operations persist, officials brace themselves for a grim reality. It is expected that the death toll will surpass 10,000 individuals. This heart-wrenching tragedy has left Libya shattered. Entire neighbourhoods have been erased and many lives lost at sea. The international community is uniting to provide much-needed aid and assistance to the affected regions.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for significant investments in robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness. As Libya embarks on the difficult journey towards recovery, prayers have been pouring for the families who lost their loved ones in this flood in Libya.
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