Over 2 thousand people died, 7 thousand people missing due to storm in Libya

The "Daniel" storm, which is effective in the Central Mediterranean, hit the Benghazi, Beyda, Merc, Suse, and Derne cities of Libya. The loss of life in the storm, which has been effective for only a few days, is increasing with each passing minute.

MORE THAN 2 THOUSAND DEAD, 7 THOUSAND MISSING

Sharing the latest situation in the disaster, Interior MinisterAbu Zeribe announced that more than 2 thousand people died in the rains and 7 thousand people were missing.

Storm Daniel, which caused a disaster in Greece, also brought destruction to Libya. Authorities in eastern Libya had taken a series of measures including suspension of classes in all public and private educational institutions, closure of shops, and curfew due to the storm.

However, the storm devastated the east of the country. Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, announced a 3-day mourning for those who lost their lives.

Stating that they continue to take the necessary measures to help those affected by the floods, Dbeibeh called on all authorities and ministers to review the situation in the eastern regions.

TWO GOVERNMENTS UNITED BY DISASTER

Dbeibeh stated that external divisions would not prevent them from helping the flood-affected areas and underlined that they would fulfill their duties towards the Libyan people.

On the other hand, the city of Misrata in the west of the country was also flooded.

HIGHEST RAINFALL IN 40 YEARS

Libyan National Unity Government Spokesperson Mohammed Hammoudi made statements on his social media account after the extraordinary cabinet meeting held due to the flood disaster in the east of the country.

Hammouda said that meteorological data showed that the amount of rainfall recorded in Jabal al-Akhdar regions was about 400 millimeters, which is the highest amount of rainfall recorded in Libya for more than 40 years.

Reminding that the Dbeibeh declared 3 days of mourning due to the flood disaster, Hammude stated that flags will be lowered to half-mast across the country.

4 MAJOR OIL PORTS CLOSED

While a curfew was declared in the flood zone, schools and workplaces and 4 major oil ports were closed. The storm is expected to be effective in Egypt as of today.

TÜRKİYE STANDS WITH LIBYA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan posted a message on his X account due to the flood disaster in Libya. He stated that 3 flights were organized to land in Benghazi under the coordination of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

"Our aircraft will initially have 168 personnel, 2 search and rescue vehicles, 2 rescue boats to support search and rescue and other operations; 170 tents, 600 blankets, 400 food and hygiene parcels, 20 generators, 1000 raincoats, 500 boots and 500 flashlights to meet shelter and other needs,” Erdogan said.

“Our personnel includes an underwater and surface search and rescue team consisting of 65 people, Red Crescent, and NGO members to take part in the installation and distribution of shelter and humanitarian aid materials. In addition to AFAD, our personnel from the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie General Command will also participate in field operations. Get well soon Libya,” he added.

Source: Anadolu Agency