A massive surge of water hit residential areas, submerging several homes and taking numerous lives within moments.
Fadellalah, a local, is mourning the loss of 13 family members and anxiously awaiting news about another 20, days after twin dams broke near Derna, a coastal city in Libya. The incident triggered devastating floods that claimed thousands of lives, destroyed large areas of the city, and carried some of the deceased into the ocean.
Desperate searches are underway, with countless individuals like Fadellalah trying to determine the fate of their loved ones.
On the eve of the disaster, Fadellalah, an IT professional based in Tripoli, had warned his family to seek refuge on higher terrain. “No one saw this coming,” Fadellalah revealed, opting not to disclose his full name due to concerns of possible backlash from the authorities or armed factions.
“A lot of them didn’t have the means to evacuate,” he expressed, reflecting on his family’s situation.
Mediterranean storm Daniel’s relentless rains rushed down the adjacent hills. Survivors share horrifying tales of seeing the deceased everywhere, overwhelming the local authorities.
While several eastern Libyan towns were affected, Derna, known for its picturesque white houses and lush palm trees, suffered the most. Videos provided by The Associated Press showcased the magnitude of destruction – residential complexes torn apart, and vehicles strewn along the city’s beachside walkway.
The city lacked preparedness, and for many, the realization of the imminent threat only dawned upon hearing the loud rupture of the dams.
Recalling the terrifying moment, Ibrahim Moussa narrated how a nearby dam burst during the wee hours of Monday. “A wave of rubble descended, bringing death in its wake,” he described. The aftermath has left many trapped beneath meters of mud and debris.
Location played a pivotal role in determining survival. Fadelallah’s lost family members resided close to the river basin. Their remains were later identified and buried by the Red Crescent, as confirmed by a list shared by the humanitarian organization.
Mohammed Derna, a local educator and parent of two, recalled the nightmarish scenes of witnessing neighbours, including women and children, being swept away. “Their cries for help still haunt me,” he said, comparing the horror to scenes from a movie.
This disaster highlights Libya’s fragility. Despite its oil wealth, the nation has been fragmented and marred by conflict since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
Both governing bodies and their international allies are undertaking efforts to support the victims. However, the pace of relief has been hindered by the destruction of vital infrastructure. The isolation of Derna, home to 90,000 residents, ended only with the arrival of the first relief teams on Tuesday.
According to the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration, about 30,000 people from Derna had been displaced. Many have sought shelter in neighbouring regions less affected by the calamity.
Among the evacuees is Ahlam Yassin, who described her journey to Tobruk, “Our city is no more,” she lamented.
Mahmoud al-Baseer, a UK resident, was relieved to find that his cousins, who lived close to one of the dams, survived by taking refuge on the upper levels of their apartment. Before establishing contact on Tuesday, al-Baseer said, “The videos on social media were too painful to watch.”
Fadelallah’s parents have since relocated to Benghazi, seeking to reunite with other family members from Derna. He aspires to return soon to offer his departed kin a fitting Islamic burial.
The devastating flood in Libya underscores not just the unpredictability of nature but also the urgency of improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, especially in regions grappling with political and infrastructural challenges. The tales of loss, resilience, and hope from Derna resonate universally, emphasizing the shared human experience and the enduring spirit of communities in the face of overwhelming odds. As recovery efforts continue, the world watches, offering support and solidarity to the resilient people of Derna.
