In pics | Libya: Hundreds protest against authorities in flood-hit Derna

<p>Thousands of people lost their lives in devastating flash floods in Libya, which struck the coastal city of Derna earlier this month. The region has been reeling with the distressing aftermath, with survivors struggling for basic amenities and rescue workers combing through mud and rubble to find bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fresh concerns have emerged after The Guardian reported that the warlord, Khalifa Haftar and his sons, are using&nbsp;disaster response as a means to exert control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death toll has climbed to 11,300, the United Nations said in an update on Saturday (September 16), citing the Libyan Red Crescent. Another 10,100 people are still missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flames-engulf-landmark-skyscraper-in-khartoum-amid-sudan-conflict-636943">Flames engulf landmark skyscraper in Khartoum amid Sudan conflict</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>But the Libyan Red Crescent denied the death toll, with spokesman Tawfik Shoukri telling news agency AFP from Benghazi that "we are shocked to see our name mixed up with these figures". He added that "they add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing".&nbsp;</p>

<p>First responders and rescue workers worked day and night to help the survivors, and they were sometimes surrounded by militants from the Libyan National Army, which is a military coalition loyal to Haftar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newspaper mentioned in its report that some of the observers described a few instances as efforts to keep a grip on vital assistance arriving in the flood-ravaged city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-climate-protesters-spray-paint-on-berlins-iconic-brandenburg-gate-636897">Climate protesters spray paint on Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>As quoted, Emadeddin Badi, an analyst on Libya with the Atlantic Council, said: "Essentially there is a military presence that is creating bottlenecks rather than being conducive to the provision of relief."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The main thrust of relief efforts was not facilitated by the military leadership, which had a vested interest in appearing in control while skirting responsibility and victim-blaming, but instead by volunteers, medical teams, Red Crescent, boy scouts and foreign search and rescue teams," Badi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Badi added, "On the public relations side, they are leveraging their pre-existing propaganda channels to appear in control, while being the main interface for administering crisis relief and being the custodians of the city. But again, that’s creating bottlenecks everywhere. Haftar’s visit was a microcosm of this issue, everything was frozen for an hour for a PR stunt."</p>

<p>Previously, politicians and analysts highlighted that over a decade of bloody power battles in Libya&nbsp;resulted in vital infrastructure falling into disrepair, culminating in the catastrophic death toll.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Thousands of people lost their lives in devastating flash floods in Libya, which struck the coastal city of Derna earlier this month. The region has been reeling with the distressing aftermath, with survivors struggling for basic amenities and rescue workers combing through mud and rubble to find bodies.

Thousands of people lost their lives in devastating flash floods in Libya, which struck the coastal city of Derna earlier this month. The region has been reeling with the distressing aftermath, with survivors struggling for basic amenities and rescue workers combing through mud and rubble to find bodies. Fresh concerns have emerged after The Guardian reported that the warlord, Khalifa Haftar and his sons, are using disaster response as a means to exert control. The death toll has climbed to 11,300, the United Nations said in an update on Saturday (September 16), citing the Libyan Red Crescent. Another 10,100 people are still missing. Also read: Flames engulf landmark skyscraper in Khartoum amid Sudan conflict But the Libyan Red Crescent denied the death toll, with spokesman Tawfik Shoukri telling news agency AFP from Benghazi that "we are shocked to see our name mixed up with these figures". He added that "they add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing". First responders and rescue workers worked day and night to help the survivors, and they were sometimes surrounded by militants from the Libyan National Army, which is a military coalition loyal to Haftar. The newspaper mentioned in its report that some of the observers described a few instances as efforts to keep a grip on vital assistance arriving in the flood-ravaged city. Also read: Climate protesters spray paint on Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate Watch: Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island × As quoted, Emadeddin Badi, an analyst on Libya with the Atlantic Council, said: "Essentially there is a military presence that is creating bottlenecks rather than being conducive to the provision of relief." "The main thrust of relief efforts was not facilitated by the military leadership, which had a vested interest in appearing in control while skirting responsibility and victim-blaming, but instead by volunteers, medical teams, Red Crescent, boy scouts and foreign search and rescue teams," Badi added. Badi added, "On the public relations side, they are leveraging their pre-existing propaganda channels to appear in control, while being the main interface for administering crisis relief and being the custodians of the city. But again, that’s creating bottlenecks everywhere. Haftar’s visit was a microcosm of this issue, everything was frozen for an hour for a PR stunt." Previously, politicians and analysts highlighted that over a decade of bloody power battles in Libya resulted in vital infrastructure falling into disrepair, culminating in the catastrophic death toll. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Is this Libyan warlord trying to dominate disaster response in floods-hit Derna city?

<p>Libyan authorities are calling for an investigation into whether human errors contributed to the massive loss of life caused by the country's worst-ever natural disaster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As survivors search for their loved ones, as per reports, bodies of victims of the Derna floods have been found drifting ashore on beaches more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away.</p>

<h2><strong>The floods</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (September 10) night, a catastrophic flood that resulted from a powerful storm hit the Libyan city of Derna.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The floodwaters breached dams in the eastern city of Derna, sweeping away multi-story buildings with sleeping families inside and devastating the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-floods-death-toll-reaches-11000-another-10000-still-missing-636111">Libya floods: Death toll reaches 11,000; another 10,000 still missing</a></strong></p>

<p>The official death toll figures have varied but consistently reach into the thousands, with thousands more reported as missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Derna's Mayor, Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, expressed grave concerns, suggesting that the death toll in the city alone could reach 18,000 to 20,000 people, given the extent of the destruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to Reuters, he also voiced fears of a potential epidemic "due to the large number of bodies under the rubble and in the water."</p>

<h2><strong>Bodies wash up in nearby areas</strong></h2>

<p>In a sombre development, victims of the catastrophic floods in Derna, Libya, have been found drifting ashore on beaches more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away.</p>

<p>Talking to BBC Breakfast, Nasir Almnsori, an engineer residing in the city of Tobruk, which is over 150 kilometres from Derna, revealed that bodies of flood victims are washing up in proximity to his city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-floods-un-says-most-of-the-deaths-could-have-been-averted-635933">Libya floods: UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted</a></strong></p>

<p>With hundreds of bodies still trapped under collapsed buildings in Derna and others being discovered on beaches up to 60 miles away, Libyan health authorities are closely monitoring the potential risk of disease outbreaks.</p>

<p>However, according to Pierre Guyomarch, the head of the forensics unit of the Red Cross, "the belief that dead bodies will cause epidemics is not supported by evidence."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stated that individuals who succumb to injuries from natural disasters or armed conflicts seldom pose a health threat to their communities. "In fact, those who survive an event like a natural disaster are more likely to spread disease than dead bodies," said Guyomarch.&nbsp; Nevertheless, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), the presence of dead bodies near or in water sources can pose health risks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Libyan authorities are calling for an investigation into whether human errors contributed to the massive loss of life caused by the country's worst-ever natural disaster.

Libyan authorities are calling for an investigation into whether human errors contributed to the massive loss of life caused by the country's worst-ever natural disaster. As survivors search for their loved ones, as per reports, bodies of victims of the Derna floods have been found drifting ashore on beaches more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. The floods On Sunday (September 10) night, a catastrophic flood that resulted from a powerful storm hit the Libyan city of Derna. The floodwaters breached dams in the eastern city of Derna, sweeping away multi-story buildings with sleeping families inside and devastating the region. Also read | Libya floods: Death toll reaches 11,000; another 10,000 still missing The official death toll figures have varied but consistently reach into the thousands, with thousands more reported as missing. Derna's Mayor, Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, expressed grave concerns, suggesting that the death toll in the city alone could reach 18,000 to 20,000 people, given the extent of the destruction. Talking to Reuters, he also voiced fears of a potential epidemic "due to the large number of bodies under the rubble and in the water." Bodies wash up in nearby areas In a sombre development, victims of the catastrophic floods in Derna, Libya, have been found drifting ashore on beaches more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. Talking to BBC Breakfast, Nasir Almnsori, an engineer residing in the city of Tobruk, which is over 150 kilometres from Derna, revealed that bodies of flood victims are washing up in proximity to his city. Also read | Libya floods: UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted With hundreds of bodies still trapped under collapsed buildings in Derna and others being discovered on beaches up to 60 miles away, Libyan health authorities are closely monitoring the potential risk of disease outbreaks. However, according to Pierre Guyomarch, the head of the forensics unit of the Red Cross, "the belief that dead bodies will cause epidemics is not supported by evidence." He stated that individuals who succumb to injuries from natural disasters or armed conflicts seldom pose a health threat to their communities. "In fact, those who survive an event like a natural disaster are more likely to spread disease than dead bodies," said Guyomarch. Nevertheless, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), the presence of dead bodies near or in water sources can pose health risks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Libya floods: Thousands still missing after catastrophic tragedy, bodies wash up on far-away beaches

<p>Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said. “I reassure citizens that whoever made mistakes or negligence, prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him, and send him to trial,” Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said at a news conference.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He disclosed that approximately $8 million had been allocated for dam maintenance. The allocation and spending of maintenance funds will also be investigated.</p>

<p>This comes as the United Nations, on September 14, highlighted that many deaths in Libya's Derna resulting from the floods could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had been functioning properly.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by Mediterranean storm Daniel, eastern Libya experienced widespread flooding. This led to the collapse of two dams near the port city of Derna earlier in the week, resulting in severe damage to a quarter of the area, which was subsequently declared a disaster zone.</p>

<p>Media reports quoting&nbsp;Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that decades-old studies revealed cracks in the two dams. The dams were primarily built to safeguard the city from floods.</p>

<p>These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-aid-groups-warn-of-disease-risk-as-country-struggles-to-recover-from-flood-636487">Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood</a></p>

<p>A team comprising 26 prosecutors will be dispatched to Derna to document victims and ascertain the causes of death, he said. As investigations are ongoing, an accurate count of the fatalities remains unavailable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-to-south-to-change-rules-of-game-g77china-urges-for-new-global-order-at-cuba-summit-636568">'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit</a></p>

<h2><strong>Staggering number of deaths</strong></h2>

<p>The Libyan Red Crescent reported that, as of Friday (September 15), at least 11,300 people have lost their lives, and an additional 10,100 were still missing in the wake of the devastating floods.</p>

<p>Derna's mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has&nbsp;expressed concerns that the death toll in Derna alone could exceed 20,000, given the extent of the damage.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Extreme rainfall&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported that more than 16 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period in the northeastern city of Bayda. Climate experts have reportedly linked this disaster to the impacts of a warming planet, exacerbated by years of political instability and deteriorating infrastructure in the country.</p>

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Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said.

Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said. “I reassure citizens that whoever made mistakes or negligence, prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him, and send him to trial,” Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said at a news conference. He disclosed that approximately $8 million had been allocated for dam maintenance. The allocation and spending of maintenance funds will also be investigated. This comes as the United Nations, on September 14, highlighted that many deaths in Libya's Derna resulting from the floods could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had been functioning properly. In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by Mediterranean storm Daniel, eastern Libya experienced widespread flooding. This led to the collapse of two dams near the port city of Derna earlier in the week, resulting in severe damage to a quarter of the area, which was subsequently declared a disaster zone. Media reports quoting Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that decades-old studies revealed cracks in the two dams. The dams were primarily built to safeguard the city from floods. These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour. Also Read | Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood A team comprising 26 prosecutors will be dispatched to Derna to document victims and ascertain the causes of death, he said. As investigations are ongoing, an accurate count of the fatalities remains unavailable. Also Read | 'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit Staggering number of deaths The Libyan Red Crescent reported that, as of Friday (September 15), at least 11,300 people have lost their lives, and an additional 10,100 were still missing in the wake of the devastating floods. Derna's mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has expressed concerns that the death toll in Derna alone could exceed 20,000, given the extent of the damage. WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue × Extreme rainfall Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported that more than 16 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period in the northeastern city of Bayda. Climate experts have reportedly linked this disaster to the impacts of a warming planet, exacerbated by years of political instability and deteriorating infrastructure in the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Libya dam collapse: Probe launched into allocation of maintenance funds

<p>Death toll in deadly Libya floods in the eastern city of Derna has risen to at least 11,300, a UN report released Saturday (Sept 16) said.</p>

<p>Authorities and aid groups are continuing their search and rescue efforts amid all difficulties as they clear mud and debris with heavy machinery.</p>

<p>The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also mentioned that at least 170 people died outside the city of Derna due to massive storm.</p>

<p>“These figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors,” the report added.</p>

<p>At least 10,100 people are still missing, with the mayor of the city saying the death toll could very well cross the 20,000 mark.</p>

<h2><strong>40,000 people displaced</strong></h2>

<p>Around 40,000 people have been displaced in Derna, a coastal city in Libya which typically houses around 100,000 people.</p>

<p>As the two dams exploded on Tuesday (Sept 12) after Derna was hit by Storm Daniel, the city was split into two as floodwaters swept through the neighbourhood, destroying everything that came in the way towards the sea.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Libya: After horrifying floods, threat of diseases loom</strong></p>

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<p>“With thousands of displaced people now on the move, the risk of exposure to landmines and Explosive Ordnance of War (ERW) leftover from years of conflict is on the rise, as flood waters have now shifted landmines and ERW,” OCHA said.</p>

<p>Almost 300,000 children who were exposed to the flooding due to Storm Daniel face an increased risk of cholera, malnutrition, diarrhoea, and dehydration. The children also face “increased risks of violence and exploitation,” the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation launched</strong></h2>

<p>Prosecutor General Al-Seddik Al-Sour has now initiated an investigation into the collapse of the dams, with media reports saying the dams had cracks since 1998.</p>

<p>Sour said that the dams were built by a Yugoslav company in the 1970s, "not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/africa/libya-dam-collapse-probe-launched-into-allocation-of-maintenance-funds-636599"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Libya dam collapse: Probe launched into allocation of maintenance funds</strong></a></p>

<p>In 1998, when the cracks were first discovered in the walls of the dams, experts from Italy had recommended Libya build a third dam to prevent the city from flooding.</p>

<h2><strong>Dam’s foundation problems</strong></h2>

<p>According to experts, the main reason behind the collapse of the dams was the foundation problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nadhir Al-Ansari, an expert in the design and safety of dams, was quoted as saying by The Conversation that inadequate spillway, poor construction and uneven settlement were few other reasons that can be blamed for the collapse.</p>

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Death toll in deadly Libya floods in the eastern city of Derna has risen to at least 11,300, a UN report released Saturday (Sept 16) said. Authorities and aid groups are continuing their search and rescue efforts amid all difficulties as they clear mud and debris with heavy machinery.

Death toll in deadly Libya floods in the eastern city of Derna has risen to at least 11,300, a UN report released Saturday (Sept 16) said. Authorities and aid groups are continuing their search and rescue efforts amid all difficulties as they clear mud and debris with heavy machinery. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also mentioned that at least 170 people died outside the city of Derna due to massive storm. “These figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors,” the report added. At least 10,100 people are still missing, with the mayor of the city saying the death toll could very well cross the 20,000 mark. 40,000 people displaced Around 40,000 people have been displaced in Derna, a coastal city in Libya which typically houses around 100,000 people. As the two dams exploded on Tuesday (Sept 12) after Derna was hit by Storm Daniel, the city was split into two as floodwaters swept through the neighbourhood, destroying everything that came in the way towards the sea. Watch: Libya: After horrifying floods, threat of diseases loom × “With thousands of displaced people now on the move, the risk of exposure to landmines and Explosive Ordnance of War (ERW) leftover from years of conflict is on the rise, as flood waters have now shifted landmines and ERW,” OCHA said. Almost 300,000 children who were exposed to the flooding due to Storm Daniel face an increased risk of cholera, malnutrition, diarrhoea, and dehydration. The children also face “increased risks of violence and exploitation,” the report added. Investigation launched Prosecutor General Al-Seddik Al-Sour has now initiated an investigation into the collapse of the dams, with media reports saying the dams had cracks since 1998. Sour said that the dams were built by a Yugoslav company in the 1970s, "not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods." Also read: Libya dam collapse: Probe launched into allocation of maintenance funds In 1998, when the cracks were first discovered in the walls of the dams, experts from Italy had recommended Libya build a third dam to prevent the city from flooding. Dam’s foundation problems According to experts, the main reason behind the collapse of the dams was the foundation problem. Nadhir Al-Ansari, an expert in the design and safety of dams, was quoted as saying by The Conversation that inadequate spillway, poor construction and uneven settlement were few other reasons that can be blamed for the collapse. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Libya floods: 300,000 children facing health crisis; 40,000 displaced; death toll might cross 20,000 mark

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<p>Aid groups in Libya have warned of the growing risk posed by the spread of disease as the country struggles to recover from the devastating flood in Derna. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (September 16), aid organisations like the Islamic Relief and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that the upcoming period could see the spread of disease as well as grave difficulties in delivering aid to those most in need.</p>

<p>More than 11,000 people have died due to the flood in Derna and thousands of others are still missing as bodies keep washing ashore on beaches up to 100 km away. On Saturday, Islamic Relief warned of a second humanitarian crisis and said there is a growing risk of water-borne diseases and shortages of food, shelter and medicine.</p>

<h2><strong>Risk of water-related diseases</strong></h2>

<p>"Thousands of people don't have anywhere to sleep and don't have food," said Salah Aboulgasem, the organisation's deputy director of partner development. Aboulgasem added that in conditions like these, diseases could spread quickly as the water systems were contaminated.</p>

<p>MSF meanwhile said it was deploying teams to the east to assess water and sanitation. "With this type of event, we can really worry about water-related disease," said Manoelle Carton, MSF's medical coordinator in Derna.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US diplomat urges global mobilisation to coordinate aid efforts</strong></h2>

<p>In a social media post, Stephanie Williams, a US diplomat and former UN envoy to Libya, urged global mobilisation to continue aid efforts in the wake of the flood. Williams warned of the predilection of the country's predatory ruling class to use the pretext of sovereignty and 'national ownership' to steer such a process on their own and in a self-interested manner.</p>

<h2><strong>Derna struggles to cope with thousands of corpses</strong></h2>

<p>Residents and rescue workers in Derna are struggling to cope with the thousands of corpses washing up or decaying under rubble. The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier urged authorities in Libya to stop burying flood victims in mass graves, saying these could bring long-term mental distress to families or cause health risks if located near water.</p>

<p>Since the flood ravaged the city, over 1,000 people had so far been buried in that manner, a UN report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Aid groups in Libya have warned of the growing risk posed by the spread of disease as the country struggles to recover from the devastating flood in Derna. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (September 16), aid organisations like the Islamic Relief and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that the upcoming period could see the spread of disease as well as grave difficulties in delivering aid to those most in need.

Aid groups in Libya have warned of the growing risk posed by the spread of disease as the country struggles to recover from the devastating flood in Derna. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (September 16), aid organisations like the Islamic Relief and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that the upcoming period could see the spread of disease as well as grave difficulties in delivering aid to those most in need. More than 11,000 people have died due to the flood in Derna and thousands of others are still missing as bodies keep washing ashore on beaches up to 100 km away. On Saturday, Islamic Relief warned of a second humanitarian crisis and said there is a growing risk of water-borne diseases and shortages of food, shelter and medicine. Risk of water-related diseases "Thousands of people don't have anywhere to sleep and don't have food," said Salah Aboulgasem, the organisation's deputy director of partner development. Aboulgasem added that in conditions like these, diseases could spread quickly as the water systems were contaminated. MSF meanwhile said it was deploying teams to the east to assess water and sanitation. "With this type of event, we can really worry about water-related disease," said Manoelle Carton, MSF's medical coordinator in Derna. US diplomat urges global mobilisation to coordinate aid efforts In a social media post, Stephanie Williams, a US diplomat and former UN envoy to Libya, urged global mobilisation to continue aid efforts in the wake of the flood. Williams warned of the predilection of the country's predatory ruling class to use the pretext of sovereignty and 'national ownership' to steer such a process on their own and in a self-interested manner. Derna struggles to cope with thousands of corpses Residents and rescue workers in Derna are struggling to cope with the thousands of corpses washing up or decaying under rubble. The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier urged authorities in Libya to stop burying flood victims in mass graves, saying these could bring long-term mental distress to families or cause health risks if located near water. Since the flood ravaged the city, over 1,000 people had so far been buried in that manner, a UN report said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood

<p>The death toll in Libya’s deadly flooding caused by the breaching of two dams in the coastal city of Derna has reached 11,300, with authorities reporting as many as another 10,000 missing.</p>

<p>The previous death toll in Derna was put at 5,500.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Residents of the city heard loud explosions Sunday night (Sept 10) before the two dams outside the city collapsed following a spell of heavy rains.</p>

<p>In no time, the floodwaters swept through the city, crashing through buildings, people and almost everything that came in the way towards the sea.</p>

<h2><strong>Most deaths could have been avoided</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations officials believe most causalities could have been avoided had there been a normal operating meteorological service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If there would have been a normal operating meteorological service, they could have issued the warnings,” World Meteorological Organization head Petteri Taalas told reporters in Geneva. “The emergency management authorities would have been able to carry out the evacuation,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Libya floods: Climate &amp; infrastructure catastrophe</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, the WMO said it had issued warnings 72 hours before the tragedy unfolded and also notified all governments through email and media.</p>

<p>Officials in eastern Libya also warned about the storm and advised people to evacuate the coastal area due to an expected surge in the sea. However, no warnings were issued about the potential collapse of the dams.</p>

<h2><strong>Dead being buried in mass graves</strong></h2>

<p>Eastern Libya’s health minister Othman Abduljaleel said Thursday (Sept 14) that authorities were burying dead bodies in mass graves.</p>

<p>By Thursday, more than 3,000 bodies had been buried, while another 2,000 were still being processed. Most of the bodies were buried outside Derna while others were being transferred to nearby cities and towns.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll to go up</strong></h2>

<p>The death toll is further expected to go up as several bodies are believed to be buried under the debris and mud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rescuers have been struggling to clear the area by bringing heavy machinery and equipment.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-floods-un-says-most-of-the-deaths-could-have-been-averted-635933"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Libya floods: UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>Locals were quoted as saying by Associated Press that the actual death toll was much higher than announced by the authorities.</p>

<p>The toll might even climb to 20,000 given the scale and gravity of the situation, said Derna Mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi.</p>

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The death toll in Libya’s deadly flooding caused by the breaching of two dams in the coastal city of Derna has reached 11,300, with authorities reporting as many as another 10,000 missing.

The death toll in Libya’s deadly flooding caused by the breaching of two dams in the coastal city of Derna has reached 11,300, with authorities reporting as many as another 10,000 missing. The previous death toll in Derna was put at 5,500. Residents of the city heard loud explosions Sunday night (Sept 10) before the two dams outside the city collapsed following a spell of heavy rains. In no time, the floodwaters swept through the city, crashing through buildings, people and almost everything that came in the way towards the sea. Most deaths could have been avoided The United Nations officials believe most causalities could have been avoided had there been a normal operating meteorological service. “If there would have been a normal operating meteorological service, they could have issued the warnings,” World Meteorological Organization head Petteri Taalas told reporters in Geneva. “The emergency management authorities would have been able to carry out the evacuation,” he added. Watch: Libya floods: Climate & infrastructure catastrophe × Earlier, the WMO said it had issued warnings 72 hours before the tragedy unfolded and also notified all governments through email and media. Officials in eastern Libya also warned about the storm and advised people to evacuate the coastal area due to an expected surge in the sea. However, no warnings were issued about the potential collapse of the dams. Dead being buried in mass graves Eastern Libya’s health minister Othman Abduljaleel said Thursday (Sept 14) that authorities were burying dead bodies in mass graves. By Thursday, more than 3,000 bodies had been buried, while another 2,000 were still being processed. Most of the bodies were buried outside Derna while others were being transferred to nearby cities and towns. Death toll to go up The death toll is further expected to go up as several bodies are believed to be buried under the debris and mud. Rescuers have been struggling to clear the area by bringing heavy machinery and equipment. Also read: Libya floods: UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted Locals were quoted as saying by Associated Press that the actual death toll was much higher than announced by the authorities. The toll might even climb to 20,000 given the scale and gravity of the situation, said Derna Mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Libya floods: Death toll reaches 11,000; another 10,000 still missing

In Pics: The aftermath of Libya floods; death toll exceeds 10k