Libya Floods: Death Toll Rises To 6,000, Thousands Still Missing

Eko Hot Blog reports that the death toll from the recent floods in Libya has risen to 6,000, with thousands still missing, according to a unity government official.

The eastern administration of Libya said that 5,300 bodies have been counted in Derna alone so far, with that number expected to rise and even double.

The floods, which began on September 10, have been caused by heavy rains and overflowing rivers. They have caused widespread damage and displacement in Derna and other parts of Libya.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that at least 30,000 individuals have been displaced in Derna. In a post on Twitter, IOM added that 6,085 were known to have been displaced in other storm-hit areas including Benghazi, with the number of deaths still unverified.

“IOM & partners are immediately prepositioning NFIs, medicines, search and rescue equipment and personnel to the affected areas,” IOM said.

The Libyan government has appealed for international help to deal with the disaster.

“Libya does not have the experience to deal with a disaster of this magnitude,” Hichem Chkiouat, the minister of civil aviation in the administration that runs eastern Libya, said.

The United Nations has also called for international assistance, saying that the floods are a “humanitarian emergency.”

“The United Nations stands ready to support the Government of Libya and the people affected by the floods,” said Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian chief.

The floods are the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit Libya in recent years. In 2018, a series of earthquakes killed more than 40 people and displaced thousands.

Libya has been in a state of political instability since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country is currently divided between two rival governments, one in the east and one in the west.

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