The death toll from severe floods in the city of Derna in eastern Libya has exceeded 5,200 people, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the government proclaimed in the east of the country by the House of Representatives, Tariq al-Kharraz, told Anadolu Agency.
Kharraz said that 1,300 of the victims have been identified, but the number of dead could be much higher as entire families were killed. He warned that the death toll could exceed 10,000.
Cyclone Daniel hit northeastern Libya on September 10, bringing stormy winds and heavy downpours with thunderstorms to cities on the Mediterranean coast. The heavy rains caused severe damage to infrastructure, flooding many residential buildings, hospitals, and other civilian facilities. Evacuation and search operations for missing persons are ongoing.
The floods have caused a humanitarian crisis in Derna. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and many are in need of food, water, and shelter. The United Nations has called for urgent assistance for the victims of the floods.
