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Catastrophe in Libya: search for thousands of missing people in the midst of political chaos

The death toll ranges from 3,252 according to the Minister of Health of the government that controls the east of the country, while the UN said it is at least 11,300. Since 2011, Libya has been mired in misgovernance after the overthrow and execution of Muammar Gaddafi.

  • 20/09/2023 • 00:11

nprecedented floods left nearly 11,300 dead and 10,100 missing in the city of Derna alone.

 

The data contrasts with the most recent figure released by the Minister of Health of the Government that controls eastern Libya, Othman Abdeljalil, of 3,252 deaths.

 

These contradictory balances show the division and absence of centralized authority in Libya, a country plunged into chaos since the 2011 crisis that led to the overthrow and execution of Muammar Gaddafi.

 

The work of emergency teams is hampered by the division in power, with two opposing governments, one in the capital Tripoli, which is recognized by the UN, and others in the east, in the affected area.

 

Storm Daniel hit the city of Derna, with a population of about 100,000, on September 10, causing two dams on the Wadi Derna River to collapse. The colossal flow destroyed buildings and dragged people into the sea.

 

"The humanitarian situation remains very grim in Derna," warned OCHA, which reported that the city lacks drinking water and at least 55 children were poisoned from drinking contaminated water.

 

Since the tragedy, dozens of bodies are found every day among the rubble or in the sea and are buried in a landscape of apocalyptic desolation.

 

According to the city's inhabitants, most of the fatalities were buried under mud or dragged into the Mediterranean Sea.