Nearly 70 days after Storm Danielle devastated Derna and the Green Mountain region of Libya, a member of Derna’s crisis committee has warned that the death toll has now surpassed 20,000.
Hamad Al-Shalwi, in remarks to the media, stated that the crisis committee confirmed over 20,000 fatalities in Derna alone from the devastating flooding caused by Danielle. He described the situation in Derna, previously home to 50,000 residents, as “tragic.”
Al-Shalwi warned that an environmental catastrophe could still occur, noting that many bodies remain trapped under rubble and in the sea. He said rescue efforts have been “nonexistent” and citizens are distraught over being unable to retrieve relatives’ remains, causing immense psychological distress.
The committee member detailed that the floods inflicted horrific destruction in Derna, obliterating 12,000 housing units. He said 60-70% of the town is still covered by dirt and debris from the storm. Most survivors have relocated to nearby areas.