Libya: Hurricane Daniel leaves at least 20 dead in its wake

Eastern Libya is plunged into mourning as Hurricane Daniel caused devastating floods, leaving behind a death toll of at least 20 people. The Libyan authorities declare a state of emergency in the affected areas and take measures to deal with this unprecedented natural disaster.

Hurricane Daniel violently hit the eastern coast of Libya, leaving a heartbreaking human tragedy in its wake. The latest official figures show 20 confirmed deaths so far, but authorities fear the number could rise as rescue operations continue.

According to information provided by al-Bayda Medical Center and the government Ambulance and Emergency Department, the towns of Al-Bayda and Shahat were hit hard, with 12 deaths reported. The town of Susah, located in the east, was also seriously affected, with a provisional death toll of 7, including 3 women. The tragedy spread to the town of Al-Marj, where an elderly man died in his car.

Mediterranean Storm Daniel swept through several areas of eastern Libya, causing huge amounts of rain, storms and thunderstorms, as well as winds exceeding 70 kilometers per hour and waves more than 4 meters high . The consequences of these extreme weather conditions have been devastating, causing massive flooding and the destruction of infrastructure.

Faced with this unprecedented disaster, the head of the Libyan national unity government, Abdelhamid Dbeibeh, declared that all the towns affected by floods and torrential rains in the east of the country are now declared “disaster areas”. This measure aims to mobilize resources and immediate assistance for affected communities.

The spokesperson for the Crisis and Emergency Service, Officer Walid Al-Orfi, underlined the seriousness of the situation, declaring that “the waters of the Derna dam reached the homes, which led to the destruction of the roads connecting cities after the water level rose by more than three meters.” Authorities in eastern Libya also announced the suspension of classes in all public and private schools, the closure of shops, and imposed a curfew to deal with the crisis.