Due to a massive storm that swept over Libya, 2 dams broke under the pressure of the water and caused thousands to perish.
Thousands have been killed in the Libya flooding because of the heavy rains that devastated parts of the country over the weekend. “The death toll from the flooding was expected to reach thousands within the coming days.” Said Tamer Ramadan, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation in Libya.
At least 2,000 were killed in the flood, and over 10,000 were lost; however, Derna, the city to the east, sustained the most damage with 6,000 going missing.
Due to the catastrophic losses, there are no first responders on the scene. Many are dying of infections because of the loss of emergency treatment. Volunteer doctors, such as Anas Barghatty are on the scene.
“There are no first-hand emergency services. People are working to collect the rotting bodies,” said Barghatty.
Along with the massive loss of life, a multitude of buildings were destroyed; leaving the Libyans devastated. With the dams breaking, the bridges were destroyed and homes and vehicles were carried away to the sea.
A Libyan ambulance and emergency services department stated that over 2,300 people have died, and more than 5,000 were missing after the heavy rainfall. Northeast Libya wiped out nearly a quarter of the city. “I am not exaggerating when I say that 25% of the city has disappeared. Many, many buildings have collapsed,” said Hichem Abu Chkiouat, minister of civil aviation in the administration that controls the east.
Luckily, phone communications were restored after two days without any way to call for help. One of the main problems was that the people could not contact their families and loved ones during the flooding.
The storm carried out towards Egypt, however, the impact was much less severe.