The situation in Libya has worsen after a powerful storm caused catastrophic floods killing over 5,000 people with over 10,000 others believed to be missing. Countries are extending aid to Libya to help its recover from the storm’s aftermath. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said emergency response teams had been mobilised to help on the ground. Governments including Qatar and Turkey have rushed aid to Libya. Pope Francis also extended his concerns and offered prayers for the country and the storm victims and Morocco earthquake victims.
“My thoughts go out to the people of Libya, hardly hit by violent rains that triggered floods and caused numerous deaths and injuries as well as extensive damage. I invite you to join me in my prayers for those who have lost their lives, their families, and the displaced. Do not forget to express your solidarity with these brothers and sisters so tried by this calamity,” the Pope said.
He also prayed for the Morocco earthquake victims. “And my thoughts also go out to the noble Moroccan people who have suffered after the earthquake. Let us pray for Morocco, for its inhabitants, that the Lord will give them the strength to recover after this terrible event.”
Palestinian rescue team set for Libya mission
Palestine has come forward to help Libya in this unfortunate climatic catastrophe. A Palestinian rescue team from the Civil Defense, the Ministry of Health and the Red Crescent left for Libya on Wednesday September 13. The team will take part in the search and rescue mission. On Sunday, September 10, a huge Mediterranean storm devastated parts of the country.
Director of International Relations at the Palestinian Civil Defense, Odeh Younis, said the team was “specialised in water rescue missions.” The Palestinian delegation includes a medical team from various specialties, in addition to a nursing team specialized in operating rooms.
Several Palestinians also lost their lives in the Libya floods. According to the Palestinian foreign ministry, the number of Palestinians who died in Libya due to the floods had risen to 23.
Egypt sends aid to Libya
Egypt has also extended its support to Libya. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sent medical aid, personnel, and equipment to Libya. On Tuesday, September 12, Egyptian red crescent personnel and first responders were seen embarking planes to be sent to Libya carrying stretchers and other equipment and vehicles to help with the search and rescue operations.
Many of the missing in Libya are believed to have been swept out to sea with the death toll expected to rise.
Death toll expected to rise
The catastrophic flooding in the Libyan city of Derna entered its third day on Wednesday, with thousands already confirmed dead and the toll expected to rise.
The flood was caused by a powerful storm that burst dams nearby, unleashing a torrent of water that has devastated a quarter or more of the Mediterranean city, washing away buildings along with their residents.
The flood unleashed enormous destruction, flipping and mangling cars and leaving Derna’s streets covered in rubble, mud and debris. Extensive damage, with buildings missing, is also clearly visible in other parts of the city where flood waters broke out from the waterway.