Libya's Stock Market reopened its doors on Monday in the capital, Tripoli, after being closed for over nine years due to political and security challenges. The reopening ceremony was marked by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bashir Mohamed Ashour, along with other officials ringing the bell to signify the resumption of trading.<o:p></o:p>

During the ceremony, Prime Minister al-Dbeibah expressed the importance of the stock market as a key economic instrument, stating, "The importance of the stock market is embodied in doubling the gross domestic product and helping to close the budget deficit, which reduces the burden on the state’s general budget." <o:p></o:p>

He highlighted the role of the stock market in contributing to economic growth and fiscal stability. Ashour, the Chairman of the Board, emphasised that the market's success would hinge on the "stability and development of the various sectors of the state".<o:p></o:p>

The stock market's impact is expected to extend beyond Tripoli, as it also operates a trading hall in Libya's second-largest city, Benghazi. <o:p></o:p>

According to sources, trading is anticipated to resume in Benghazi next week, marking a broader effort to restore financial activities across the country. As the market strives for success, Ashour outlined its commitment to increasing the volume of listings, signalling potential growth opportunities for companies looking to participate in the revived market.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the reopening, the initial trading day saw limited activity. Out of the ten listed companies, only three actively traded, according to Lamin Haman, the market's media adviser. <o:p></o:p>

The market, originally launched in 2006, faced interruptions in the aftermath of the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 and subsequent civil strife in 2014, leading to the suspension of trading on multiple occasions. Notably, the conflict also resulted in the division of Libya between warring eastern and western factions, complicating the nation's economic recovery.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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Libya's Stock Market reopened its doors on Monday in the capital, Tripoli, after being closed for over nine years due to political and security challenges. The reopening ceremony was marked by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bashir Mohamed Ashour, along with other officials ringing the bell to signify the resumption of trading.

Libya's Stock Market reopened its doors on Monday in the capital, Tripoli, after being closed for over nine years due to political and security challenges. The reopening ceremony was marked by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bashir Mohamed Ashour, along with other officials ringing the bell to signify the resumption of trading. During the ceremony, Prime Minister al-Dbeibah expressed the importance of the stock market as a key economic instrument, stating, "The importance of the stock market is embodied in doubling the gross domestic product and helping to close the budget deficit, which reduces the burden on the state’s general budget." He highlighted the role of the stock market in contributing to economic growth and fiscal stability. Ashour, the Chairman of the Board, emphasised that the market's success would hinge on the "stability and development of the various sectors of the state". The stock market's impact is expected to extend beyond Tripoli, as it also operates a trading hall in Libya's second-largest city, Benghazi. According to sources, trading is anticipated to resume in Benghazi next week, marking a broader effort to restore financial activities across the country. As the market strives for success, Ashour outlined its commitment to increasing the volume of listings, signalling potential growth opportunities for companies looking to participate in the revived market. Despite the reopening, the initial trading day saw limited activity. Out of the ten listed companies, only three actively traded, according to Lamin Haman, the market's media adviser. The market, originally launched in 2006, faced interruptions in the aftermath of the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 and subsequent civil strife in 2014, leading to the suspension of trading on multiple occasions. Notably, the conflict also resulted in the division of Libya between warring eastern and western factions, complicating the nation's economic recovery. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Libya's stock market resumes trading after 9-year hiatus

More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).&nbsp;

The United Nations agency citing survivors said that the boat carrying around 86 people departed the Libyan city of Zwara.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know</h2>

According to the IOM, at least 61 people, including women and children, are missing and presumed dead.&nbsp;

A “large number of migrants” are believed to have died because of high waves which swamped their vessel, the UN agency’s office in Libya told AFP, in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-migrants-missing-after-boat-capsizes-off-italian-island-of-lampedusa-608029">Around 40 migrants missing after boat capsizes between Italy and Tunisia</a>

At least 25 people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre, said the IOM, adding that the organisation’s team “provided medical support” and the survivors are all in good condition.&nbsp;

Most of the victims, involved in the latest incident, are from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, said the UN agency. “The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes,” said the IOM, in a statement on X.&nbsp;

Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson took to X and said more than 2,250 people died this year on the central Mediterranean migrant route, a “dramatic figure which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-five-killed-seven-missing-after-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-tunisian-coast-625496">At least five killed, seven missing after migrant boat capsizes off Tunisian coast</a>

<h2>Rise in number of&nbsp;migrant boats</h2>

Since the beginning of this year, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

Libya and Tunisia are said to be one of the main departure points for refugees and asylum seekers risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe. More than 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN refugee agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-boat-with-400-on-board-slowly-sinking-between-libya-and-malta-580810">Migrant boat with 400 on board slowly sinking between Libya and Malta</a>

In June, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people which departed from Libya and was en route to Italy, sank in international waters off southwest Greece.&nbsp;

An AFP report citing survivors said, the ship was carrying mainly Syrians, Pakistanis and Egyptians. Over 104 people survived and 82 bodies were reportedly recovered after the deadly incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The United Nations agency citing survivors said that the boat carrying around 86 people departed the Libyan city of Zwara. What we know According to the IOM, at least 61 people, including women and children, are missing and presumed dead. A “large number of migrants” are believed to have died because of high waves which swamped their vessel, the UN agency’s office in Libya told AFP, in a statement. ALSO READ | Around 40 migrants missing after boat capsizes between Italy and Tunisia At least 25 people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre, said the IOM, adding that the organisation’s team “provided medical support” and the survivors are all in good condition. Most of the victims, involved in the latest incident, are from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, said the UN agency. “The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes,” said the IOM, in a statement on X. Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson took to X and said more than 2,250 people died this year on the central Mediterranean migrant route, a “dramatic figure which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea”. ALSO READ | At least five killed, seven missing after migrant boat capsizes off Tunisian coast Rise in number of migrant boats Since the beginning of this year, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations. Libya and Tunisia are said to be one of the main departure points for refugees and asylum seekers risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe. More than 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN refugee agency. ALSO READ | Migrant boat with 400 on board slowly sinking between Libya and Malta In June, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people which departed from Libya and was en route to Italy, sank in international waters off southwest Greece. An AFP report citing survivors said, the ship was carrying mainly Syrians, Pakistanis and Egyptians. Over 104 people survived and 82 bodies were reportedly recovered after the deadly incident. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 60 people, including women and children, drown in shipwreck off Libya, says IOM

Russia plans a naval base on the black sea coast of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. The decision comes on the back of several attacks on Russia’s black sea fleet that have embarrassed the Kremlin. Russia and Georgia fought a war in 2008. After the 2008 war, Moscow recognised the independence of Abkhazia and another Moscow-backed separatist region, south Ossetia. Russia has stationed permanent military bases in both regions. Tensions have escalated on the key black sea waterway. In July, Russia exited a deal guaranteeing safe passage for cargo ships to and from Ukraine’s black sea ports. Ukraine last month struck the headquarters of Russia’s black sea fleet on the annexed Crimean peninsula, in a major humiliation for Moscow.

Russia to get Naval base in Libya?

The prosecutor general of Libya on Monday (September 25) gave orders for the arrest of eight officials, which included the mayor of Derna, as part of his inquiry into the recent floods in which thousands were killed.&nbsp;

The flash flood, which according to witnesses appeared like a tsunami, broke two dams on September 10 after the area around the port city of Derna was lashed by a hurricane-strength storm.&nbsp;

The officials have been suspected of negligence and "bad management", said the prosecutor general's office in a statement, adding that they worked previously or currently in offices which are responsible for dam management and water resources.

The official death toll due to floods crossed 3,800 on Saturday and international aid groups stated that 10,000 or more people are feared to be missing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-libya-hundreds-protest-against-authorities-in-flood-hit-derna-637310">Libya: Hundreds protest against authorities in flood-hit Derna</a>

After starting an investigation, Libya's prosecutor general Al-Seddik al-Sur said that there were cracks in the two dams, upstream from Derna, since 1998.

The repair work, which was started by a Turkish company in 2010, was suspended after some months when Libya's 2011 revolution flared. After this, the dam's repair work never resumed, said the prosecutor on September 16, as he vowed to firmly deal with those responsible. &nbsp;

<h2>Collapse of dams</h2>

In the disaster, the first dam which collapsed was the Abu Mansur dam, which is 13 kilometres (eight miles) from Derna and whose reservoir contained 22.5 million cubic metres (nearly 800 million cubic feet) of water.&nbsp;

The second dam which broke in the deluge was Al Biladm which had a capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres and was only a kilometre away from the coastal city.&nbsp;

The debris and flooding water swept through the normally dry riverbed or wadi which cuts through the city centre.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Libya's flood survivors demand accountability, hold protests

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A Yugoslav company had constructed both dams in the 1970s, "not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods", Sour stated earlier.

After Libya's 2011 revolution, the government allocated a budget every year to repair the two dams, however, the repair work was not undertaken by any of the successive governments, as per an official.&nbsp;

In a 2021 report prepared by the Libyan audit bureau, officials slammed "procrastination" on the resumption of repair work at the two dams.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The prosecutor general of Libya on Monday (September 25) gave orders for the arrest of eight officials, which included the mayor of Derna, as part of his inquiry into the recent floods in which thousands were killed.

The prosecutor general of Libya on Monday (September 25) gave orders for the arrest of eight officials, which included the mayor of Derna, as part of his inquiry into the recent floods in which thousands were killed. The flash flood, which according to witnesses appeared like a tsunami, broke two dams on September 10 after the area around the port city of Derna was lashed by a hurricane-strength storm. The officials have been suspected of negligence and "bad management", said the prosecutor general's office in a statement, adding that they worked previously or currently in offices which are responsible for dam management and water resources. The official death toll due to floods crossed 3,800 on Saturday and international aid groups stated that 10,000 or more people are feared to be missing. ALSO READ | Libya: Hundreds protest against authorities in flood-hit Derna After starting an investigation, Libya's prosecutor general Al-Seddik al-Sur said that there were cracks in the two dams, upstream from Derna, since 1998. The repair work, which was started by a Turkish company in 2010, was suspended after some months when Libya's 2011 revolution flared. After this, the dam's repair work never resumed, said the prosecutor on September 16, as he vowed to firmly deal with those responsible. Collapse of dams In the disaster, the first dam which collapsed was the Abu Mansur dam, which is 13 kilometres (eight miles) from Derna and whose reservoir contained 22.5 million cubic metres (nearly 800 million cubic feet) of water. The second dam which broke in the deluge was Al Biladm which had a capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres and was only a kilometre away from the coastal city. The debris and flooding water swept through the normally dry riverbed or wadi which cuts through the city centre. WATCH | Libya's flood survivors demand accountability, hold protests A Yugoslav company had constructed both dams in the 1970s, "not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods", Sour stated earlier. After Libya's 2011 revolution, the government allocated a budget every year to repair the two dams, however, the repair work was not undertaken by any of the successive governments, as per an official. In a 2021 report prepared by the Libyan audit bureau, officials slammed "procrastination" on the resumption of repair work at the two dams. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Libya floods aftermath: Arrest orders for Derna mayor, 7 other officials

Libya Floods: Residents of Derna wake up to yet another day in their devastated city

Libya: 12 days on, search operations continue

More than 100 Syrians, including entire families, died in flash flooding that killed thousands in Libya's eastern city of Derna last week, a war monitor said.

Thousands of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland over the past 12 years for Libya, which has become a launchpad for migrants hoping to make the perilous voyage to Europe by sea.

"In total, 112 Syrians were killed in the flood and more than 100 are still missing," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

The flooding has killed nearly 3,300 people and left thousands more missing as war-scarred Libya was lashed by the hurricane-strength Storm Daniel on September 10.

"I lost two nephews, their wives and six of their children" including a six-month-old baby, Syrian construction worker Khaled Ali told AFP over the phone from Derna.

His nephews Hadi and Mahmoud had taken refuge in Lebanon after Syria's war erupted in 2011, but they later fled to Libya after their country's economy collapsed in late 2019.

"We fled from one crisis to another," said the 37-year-old who hails from Daraa province, the cradle of Syria's 2011 uprising that the government brutally suppressed.&nbsp;

"This is our fate".

He identified his nephews' bodies in pictures posted on Facebook, he said.

Families of Syrians who disappeared in the tragedy have been sharing photographs of their relatives on Facebook groups, asking for their whereabouts.

Damascus resident Ibrahim Qalaaji, 46, held a funeral for eight relatives including his brother Mohammed, who are either dead or missing in the disaster, he told AFP over the phone.

"A doctor there told us my brother and his wife had died, but there is no trace of the rest of the family," he said. 
Mohammed had been in Libya since 2000.

His surviving brother Shadi was swept away from a rooftop and held on to a mosque's minaret as the waters hurled dead bodies towards him.

Shadi lost all his belongings, including identification papers, in the disaster, Qalaaji said.

"He has no past, no present, no future."

Syria's war has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions.

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&nbsp;

More than 100 Syrians, including entire families, died in flash flooding that killed thousands in Libya's eastern city of Derna last week, a war monitor said. Thousands of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland over the past 12 years for Libya, which has become a launchpad for migrants hoping to make the perilous voyage to Europe by sea.

More than 100 Syrians, including entire families, died in flash flooding that killed thousands in Libya's eastern city of Derna last week, a war monitor said. Thousands of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland over the past 12 years for Libya, which has become a launchpad for migrants hoping to make the perilous voyage to Europe by sea. "In total, 112 Syrians were killed in the flood and more than 100 are still missing," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. The flooding has killed nearly 3,300 people and left thousands more missing as war-scarred Libya was lashed by the hurricane-strength Storm Daniel on September 10. "I lost two nephews, their wives and six of their children" including a six-month-old baby, Syrian construction worker Khaled Ali told AFP over the phone from Derna. His nephews Hadi and Mahmoud had taken refuge in Lebanon after Syria's war erupted in 2011, but they later fled to Libya after their country's economy collapsed in late 2019. "We fled from one crisis to another," said the 37-year-old who hails from Daraa province, the cradle of Syria's 2011 uprising that the government brutally suppressed. "This is our fate". He identified his nephews' bodies in pictures posted on Facebook, he said. Families of Syrians who disappeared in the tragedy have been sharing photographs of their relatives on Facebook groups, asking for their whereabouts. Damascus resident Ibrahim Qalaaji, 46, held a funeral for eight relatives including his brother Mohammed, who are either dead or missing in the disaster, he told AFP over the phone. "A doctor there told us my brother and his wife had died, but there is no trace of the rest of the family," he said. Mohammed had been in Libya since 2000. His surviving brother Shadi was swept away from a rooftop and held on to a mosque's minaret as the waters hurled dead bodies towards him. Shadi lost all his belongings, including identification papers, in the disaster, Qalaaji said. "He has no past, no present, no future." Syria's war has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

More than 100 Syrians dead in Libya flood: monitor

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

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;

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;

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;

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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;

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;

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;

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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;

"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;

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&nbsp;resulted in vital infrastructure falling into disrepair, culminating in the catastrophic death toll.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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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?

The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday (September 17), denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group.

"We are shocked to see our name mixed up with these figures," Libyan Red Crescent spokesman Tawfik Shoukri told AFP from Benghazi, adding that "they add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing".

On Saturday, the United Nations, citing Red Crescent figures, said that the flooding had resulted in 11,300 deaths and added that another 10,100 people were missing in the city.

"These figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors," the UN update said.

Nearly a week after Storm Daniel hit northeastern Libya, "the humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna," the update said.

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<h2>UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted</h2>

The United Nations (UN) said on Thursday (September 14) that most of the deaths due to floods in Libya's Derna could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly.&nbsp;

During a press briefing in Geneva, Petteri Taalas, head of the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said, "With better functioning coordination in the crisis-wracked country, "they could have issued the warnings and the emergency management forces would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the people, and we could have avoided most of the human casualties."

Taalas said that the lack of weather forecasting and dissemination and action on early warnings was a large contributor to the size of the disaster. He also said that the years-long internal conflict in the country meant its meteorological "observing network has been very much destroyed, the IT systems have been destroyed."

"The flooding events came and there was no evacuation taking place because there was not the proper early warning systems in place," the WMO chief further told reporters. "Of course, we cannot fully avoid economic losses, but we could have also minimised those losses by having proper services in place," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday (September 17), denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group.

The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday (September 17), denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group. "We are shocked to see our name mixed up with these figures," Libyan Red Crescent spokesman Tawfik Shoukri told AFP from Benghazi, adding that "they add to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing". On Saturday, the United Nations, citing Red Crescent figures, said that the flooding had resulted in 11,300 deaths and added that another 10,100 people were missing in the city. "These figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors," the UN update said. Nearly a week after Storm Daniel hit northeastern Libya, "the humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna," the update said. Also read: South Asian community members demand justice for Jaahnavi Kandula, meet Seattle mayor UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted The United Nations (UN) said on Thursday (September 14) that most of the deaths due to floods in Libya's Derna could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly. During a press briefing in Geneva, Petteri Taalas, head of the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said, "With better functioning coordination in the crisis-wracked country, "they could have issued the warnings and the emergency management forces would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the people, and we could have avoided most of the human casualties." Taalas said that the lack of weather forecasting and dissemination and action on early warnings was a large contributor to the size of the disaster. He also said that the years-long internal conflict in the country meant its meteorological "observing network has been very much destroyed, the IT systems have been destroyed." "The flooding events came and there was no evacuation taking place because there was not the proper early warning systems in place," the WMO chief further told reporters. "Of course, we cannot fully avoid economic losses, but we could have also minimised those losses by having proper services in place," he added. (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.

Libyan Red Crescent denies death toll of 11,300 cited by United Nations

The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday, denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group.

Libya Earthquake: Libyan Red Crescent denies 11,300 death toll cited by UN

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; 
 
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&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.

These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour.

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>

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;

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>

<h2>Staggering number of deaths</h2>

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&nbsp;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

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<h2>Extreme rainfall&nbsp;</h2>

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.

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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

At least 20,000 people are estimated to have died in Libya after two dams collapsed near the port city of Derna. In Morocco, nearly 3000 people died after a 6.8 magnitude quake shook the country late on Sept 8. Who is to be blamed? The twin disasters? or the tragic unpreparedness? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Death & Devastation: Libya Floods and Morocco Earthquake | This World

On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya causing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and sudden heavy rainfall affecting several areas in the country. Massive flooding has killed over 20,000, with thousands still missing.

Libya: After horrifying floods, threat of diseases loom

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

On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya causing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and sudden heavy rainfall affecting several areas in the country. Massive flooding has killed more than 1,000 people, with hundreds more still missing.

Libya: Thousands killed, displaced in floods | Latest News | WION

On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya causing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and sudden heavy rainfall affecting several areas in the country. Massive flooding has killed many, with hundreds still missing.

Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue

Libya's port city Derna is becoming a wasteland after a deadly storm caused floods. But who is responsible? Is it a natural or man-made disaster? Watch this video to find out.

Libya floods: Natural or man-made disaster?

From China to Libya, catastrophic floods have wreaked havoc, killing thousands of people globally. The situation in the Libyan coastal city of Derna is particularly distressing due to the flash flooding caused by Storm Daniel, leaving around 4,000 and more than 10,000 missing. The Libyan floods are one of the eight devastating flooding events that have created chaos on four continents in the first 11 days of September.&nbsp;

Amid the worsening situation in Libya, relief missions have gathered pace with Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates among the first nations to rush aid to the conflict-scarred country. The United Nations has pledged $10 million in support for survivors, with more than 30,000 people left homeless. According to the European Union, assistance from Germany, Romania and Finland had been dispatched. The United States, Algeria, Qatar, Italy, France and Tunisia have all also offered assistance.&nbsp;

<img alt="Libya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8e155cc-1af4-42c1-b514-1d0fa4ee2817" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/libya.png" />

Image:&nbsp;A view shows a damaged car following a powerful storm and heavy rainfall in Derna, Libya, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori. Credit: Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Flash floods across continents &nbsp;</h2>

Apart from Libya, parts of central Greece, northwestern Turkey, southern Brazil, central and coastal Spain, southern China, Hong Kong, and the southwestern United States were inundated by heavy rain.&nbsp;

A report by NBC News cited Andrew Hoell, who is a research meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Physical Sciences Laboratory, as saying that many unrelated extreme weather events around the world in such a short time are unusual.&nbsp;

He said, "Sometimes we have a clustering of these events, whether it's in a given country, given hemisphere or globally. And it seems like right now, globally, this is prime time for a number of flooding events."&nbsp;

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Image: An aerial view of cars stuck on a bridge surrounded by flood waters, as storm Daniel hits central Greece, in the village of Flamouli, near Trikala, Greece, September 7, 2023. Credit: Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>What is flooding and why such incidents have increased in recent times?&nbsp;</h2>

Flooding happens when a river or stream overflows into the surrounding area due to prolonged rain over several days or incessant rain over a short period of time. It is also caused as a result of a water control structure, such as a levee or dam&nbsp;failing. It leads to loss of life and property, and also outbreaks of deadly disease.&nbsp;

Weather analysts and studies have said that such incidents have risen in recent decades and climate change is one of the reasons behind it. The planet's water cycle is being increased by global warming and warmer temperatures cause more evaporation, hence a warmer atmosphere may contain more moisture. The phenomenon means that storms can provide more intense precipitation, resulting in serious flooding.&nbsp;

A report by the Environmental Protection Agency published last year mentioned that researchers have observed those changes over time as the world warms. The US-based agency said that global precipitation has increased at an average rate of 0.04 inches per decade since 1901.&nbsp;

Hoell said, "From a 1,000-foot view, it's definitely true that if you have higher temperatures, you have more water vapour, and therefore you can have more precipitation fall from the sky. But when you look at a specific event and the specific set of physical processes relevant to that event, it then becomes difficult to attribute every single process in that causal chain."&nbsp;

Climate-related extreme weather events are typically the worst in conflict-torn and impoverished nations with limited infrastructure, early warning systems, and strong emergency response services.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hong Kong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="860bb464-4ef3-4d16-84c5-229b1b96a697" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hong%20kong.png" />

Image:&nbsp;&nbsp;A view of a flooded area after heavy rain in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, China, Sept. 8, 2023. Credit: Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>But what's caused deadly flooding on different continents within a gap of 10 days?&nbsp;</h2>

Mediterranean Storm Daniel poured heavy rain over central Greece and Libya. Typhoon Haikui and its remnants dumped unprecedented amounts of rain on Hong Kong and southern China, inundating cities, and causing the heaviest precipitation since records began 140 years ago. Fast-moving thunderstorms over southern Nevada this month caused flash flooding. A cyclone dumped more than 300 millimetres of rain in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in less than 24 hours in the first week of September.&nbsp;

All these incidents are fuelled by climate, but they are not linked to one another. Hoell said, "We really don't have a long enough sample or record to be able to detect a change because they're not really that common of an occurrence."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Dr Karsten Haustein, a climate scientist at Leipzig University told UK newspaper the Guardian: "While no formal attribution of the role of climate change in making Storm Daniel more intense has been conducted yet, it is safe to say that the Mediterranean sea surface temperatures have been considerably above average throughout summer."&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>What is 'Medicane'?&nbsp;</h2>

Mediterranean storms like Daniel which bear the features of tropical cyclones and hurricanes, known as "medicanes", only occur one to three times a year.

While scientists generally avoid direct links between individual weather events and long-term global warming, Storm Daniel "is illustrative of the type of devastating flooding event we may expect increasingly in the future", AFP quoted Lizzie Kendon as saying.&nbsp;Kendon is a climate science professor at the University of Bristol.&nbsp;

The EU's climate monitoring service Copernicus said rising global sea surface temperatures were driving record levels of heat across the globe, with 2023 likely to be the warmest in human history.

(With inputs from agencies)

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From China to Libya, catastrophic floods have wreaked havoc, killing thousands of people globally. The situation in the Libyan coastal city of Derna is particularly distressing due to the flash flooding caused by Storm Daniel, leaving around 4,000 and more than 10,000 missing.

From China to Libya, catastrophic floods have wreaked havoc, killing thousands of people globally. The situation in the Libyan coastal city of Derna is particularly distressing due to the flash flooding caused by Storm Daniel, leaving around 4,000 and more than 10,000 missing. The Libyan floods are one of the eight devastating flooding events that have created chaos on four continents in the first 11 days of September. Amid the worsening situation in Libya, relief missions have gathered pace with Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates among the first nations to rush aid to the conflict-scarred country. The United Nations has pledged $10 million in support for survivors, with more than 30,000 people left homeless. According to the European Union, assistance from Germany, Romania and Finland had been dispatched. The United States, Algeria, Qatar, Italy, France and Tunisia have all also offered assistance. Image: A view shows a damaged car following a powerful storm and heavy rainfall in Derna, Libya, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori. Credit: Reuters. Flash floods across continents Apart from Libya, parts of central Greece, northwestern Turkey, southern Brazil, central and coastal Spain, southern China, Hong Kong, and the southwestern United States were inundated by heavy rain. A report by NBC News cited Andrew Hoell, who is a research meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Physical Sciences Laboratory, as saying that many unrelated extreme weather events around the world in such a short time are unusual. He said, "Sometimes we have a clustering of these events, whether it's in a given country, given hemisphere or globally. And it seems like right now, globally, this is prime time for a number of flooding events." Image: An aerial view of cars stuck on a bridge surrounded by flood waters, as storm Daniel hits central Greece, in the village of Flamouli, near Trikala, Greece, September 7, 2023. Credit: Reuters. What is flooding and why such incidents have increased in recent times? Flooding happens when a river or stream overflows into the surrounding area due to prolonged rain over several days or incessant rain over a short period of time. It is also caused as a result of a water control structure, such as a levee or dam failing. It leads to loss of life and property, and also outbreaks of deadly disease. Weather analysts and studies have said that such incidents have risen in recent decades and climate change is one of the reasons behind it. The planet's water cycle is being increased by global warming and warmer temperatures cause more evaporation, hence a warmer atmosphere may contain more moisture. The phenomenon means that storms can provide more intense precipitation, resulting in serious flooding. A report by the Environmental Protection Agency published last year mentioned that researchers have observed those changes over time as the world warms. The US-based agency said that global precipitation has increased at an average rate of 0.04 inches per decade since 1901. Hoell said, "From a 1,000-foot view, it's definitely true that if you have higher temperatures, you have more water vapour, and therefore you can have more precipitation fall from the sky. But when you look at a specific event and the specific set of physical processes relevant to that event, it then becomes difficult to attribute every single process in that causal chain." Climate-related extreme weather events are typically the worst in conflict-torn and impoverished nations with limited infrastructure, early warning systems, and strong emergency response services. Image: A view of a flooded area after heavy rain in Hong Kong, China, Sept. 8, 2023. Credit: Reuters. But what's caused deadly flooding on different continents within a gap of 10 days? Mediterranean Storm Daniel poured heavy rain over central Greece and Libya. Typhoon Haikui and its remnants dumped unprecedented amounts of rain on Hong Kong and southern China, inundating cities, and causing the heaviest precipitation since records began 140 years ago. Fast-moving thunderstorms over southern Nevada this month caused flash flooding. A cyclone dumped more than 300 millimetres of rain in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in less than 24 hours in the first week of September. All these incidents are fuelled by climate, but they are not linked to one another. Hoell said, "We really don't have a long enough sample or record to be able to detect a change because they're not really that common of an occurrence." Meanwhile, Dr Karsten Haustein, a climate scientist at Leipzig University told UK newspaper the Guardian: "While no formal attribution of the role of climate change in making Storm Daniel more intense has been conducted yet, it is safe to say that the Mediterranean sea surface temperatures have been considerably above average throughout summer." Watch this report: × What is 'Medicane'? Mediterranean storms like Daniel which bear the features of tropical cyclones and hurricanes, known as "medicanes", only occur one to three times a year. While scientists generally avoid direct links between individual weather events and long-term global warming, Storm Daniel "is illustrative of the type of devastating flooding event we may expect increasingly in the future", AFP quoted Lizzie Kendon as saying. Kendon is a climate science professor at the University of Bristol. The EU's climate monitoring service Copernicus said rising global sea surface temperatures were driving record levels of heat across the globe, with 2023 likely to be the warmest in human history. (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.

Explained: Why catastrophe has rained from the skies in the 11 days of September

Libya floods death toll hits 11,300: red crescent

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

What is behind Libya’s catastrophic flooding? Experts say extreme weather, vulnerable geography, and crumbling infrastructure made it worse. Watch the video to know more.

Libya: 5,500 dead & thousands more missing in Derna, City Mayor says 'need more body bags'

What is behind Libya’s catastrophic flooding? Experts say extreme weather, vulnerable geography, and crumbling infrastructure made it worse.

Libya's calamity-induced humanitarian crisis

The United Nations (UN) said on Thursday (September 14) that most of the deaths due to floods in Libya's Derna could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly.

The United Nations (UN) said on Thursday (September 14) that most of the deaths due to floods in Libya's Derna could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Petteri Taalas, head of the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said, "With better functioning coordination in the crisis-wracked country, "they could have issued the warnings and the emergency management forces would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the people, and we could have avoided most of the human casualties." Taalas said that the lack of weather forecasting and dissemination and action on early warnings was a large contributor to the size of the disaster. He also said that the years-long internal conflict in the country meant its meteorological "observing network has been very much destroyed, the IT systems have been destroyed." "The flooding events came and there was no evacuation taking place because there was not the proper early warning systems in place," the WMO chief further told reporters. "Of course, we cannot fully avoid economic losses, but we could have also minimised those losses by having proper services in place," he added. Thousands dead, thousands more missing The reported death toll due to the floods has crossed 5,000. Confirmed death tolls given by officials so far have varied, but the number is in thousands. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Derna Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi said deaths in the city could reach 18,000-20,000, based on the extent of the damage. "We actually need teams specialised in recovering bodies," Mayor al-Ghaithi said, adding the city will be infected by an epidemic due to the large number of bodies under the rubble and in the water. Several countries have rushed to provide relief aid to Libya including rescue teams, food, water emergency shelters, medical supplies and more body bags. Climate experts have linked the disaster to the impacts of a heating planet combined with the country's years of chaos and decaying infrastructure. The floods were caused by a huge Mediterranean storm Daniel that burst dams, swept away buildings, and wiped out as much as a quarter of the city. Storm Daniel gathered strength during an unusually hot summer and earlier lashed Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. 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: UN says most casualties in Derna could have been averted

Storm Daniel caused havoc in parts of Libya. Bursting of dams flooded the city of Derna, but what made the dams collapse? Was it the heavy rains, or the faulty construction of the dams? Who is to blame?

Gravitas: Libya suffers under heavy rain, bursting dams | Who built the faulty dams?

Eath, devastation rampant in Libya after flooding. Death toll climbs to 5300, about 10,000 missing; essential supplies dwindle.

Catastrophic flash floods trigger a spiraling death toll

Libya floods: Climate & infrastructure catastrophe

The situation in Deran which is the Libyan Port City where two dams burst over the weekend. It has been described as disastrous beyond comprehension.

Libya floods: Over 5,000 presumed dead

More than 5,000 people are feared dead and nearly 10,000&nbsp;are still missing in the flood-hit eastern Libyan city of Derna,&nbsp;said local hospital director and the Red Cross on Tuesday (September 12). A&nbsp;minister from the administration that controls east Libya&nbsp;also said that a quarter of the city was wiped out by the floods after dams burst due to the storm which brought torrential rains in the region.

An Interior Ministry spokesman said that the death toll has exceeded 5,300 in the city of Derna alone from the flooding unleashed by Mediterranean Storm Daniel, reports AP news agency.

The head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Libya said that around 10,000 people are thought to be missing after the major floods, and the death toll is likely to increase.

<h2>Situation in Libya's Derna</h2>

The floods came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-hundreds-feared-dead-after-storm-daniel-causes-catastrophic-floods-635048">Storm Daniel</a> swept through the Mediterranean over the weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy floods to several countries, including Libya, over the past two days.&nbsp;

A team which has reportedly been working&nbsp;in Derna since Monday (Sep 11)&nbsp;said that more than 5,000 people remained missing while about 7,000 people were injured by the force of floodwaters that rushed down a normally dry river valley, reported AFP. 
 
A report by Reuters citing&nbsp;Mohamad al-Qabisi, director of the Wahda Hospital said&nbsp;1,700 people had died in one of the city's two districts and 500 had died in the other.

Hichem Abu Chkiouat, minister of civil aviation and member of the emergency committee in the administration that controls the east, had earlier told the news agency, “I am not exaggerating when I say that 25% of the city has disappeared. Many, many buildings have collapsed.”

The statement was made after the official said that he had returned from the Derna, a coastal city of around 125,000 inhabitants and described the situation as “very disastrous”.&nbsp;

“Bodies are lying everywhere - in the sea, in the valleys, under the buildings,” Abu Chkiouat told Reuters.

Addressing a press conference in Geneva via video link from Tunisia, Tamer Ramadan, the head of a delegation of the IFRC said, “We can confirm from our independent sources of information that the number of missing people is hitting 10,000 so far.”&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Libya’s Red Crescent spokesman Taqfiq Shukri, said as many as&nbsp;2,084 people are confirmed dead.&nbsp;

<h2>Damage and aid</h2>

A Reuters journalist on their way to Derna saw vehicles overturned on the edges of roads, trees knocked down and abandoned flooded houses.

Reports citing images and videos by residents in the flood-stricken areas also said that a wide torrent was seen running through Derna’s city centre after dams burst.&nbsp;

Libya has been politically split east and west with two rival administrations in charge and crumbling public services since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.&nbsp;

The head of the eastern Libyan government, Osama Hamad, is not internationally recognised and operates in the eastern regions of the country that are controlled by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;internationally recognised Western&nbsp;government in Tripoli does not&nbsp;control eastern areas and has dispatched&nbsp;aid to Derna. Additionally, other&nbsp;countries, including the United States and Turkey&nbsp;said that they would help.&nbsp;

Medical aid supplies sent by&nbsp;municipalities of Tripoli and Misrata, along with donations from businessmen, arrived in Al Abraq airport, on Tuesday (Sep 12), reported Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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More than 5,000 people are feared dead and nearly 10,000 are still missing in the flood-hit eastern Libyan city of Derna, said local hospital director and the Red Cross on Tuesday (September 12).

More than 5,000 people are feared dead and nearly 10,000 are still missing in the flood-hit eastern Libyan city of Derna, said local hospital director and the Red Cross on Tuesday (September 12). A minister from the administration that controls east Libya also said that a quarter of the city was wiped out by the floods after dams burst due to the storm which brought torrential rains in the region. An Interior Ministry spokesman said that the death toll has exceeded 5,300 in the city of Derna alone from the flooding unleashed by Mediterranean Storm Daniel, reports AP news agency. The head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Libya said that around 10,000 people are thought to be missing after the major floods, and the death toll is likely to increase. Situation in Libya's Derna The floods came after Storm Daniel swept through the Mediterranean over the weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy floods to several countries, including Libya, over the past two days. A team which has reportedly been working in Derna since Monday (Sep 11) said that more than 5,000 people remained missing while about 7,000 people were injured by the force of floodwaters that rushed down a normally dry river valley, reported AFP. A report by Reuters citing Mohamad al-Qabisi, director of the Wahda Hospital said 1,700 people had died in one of the city's two districts and 500 had died in the other. Hichem Abu Chkiouat, minister of civil aviation and member of the emergency committee in the administration that controls the east, had earlier told the news agency, “I am not exaggerating when I say that 25% of the city has disappeared. Many, many buildings have collapsed.” The statement was made after the official said that he had returned from the Derna, a coastal city of around 125,000 inhabitants and described the situation as “very disastrous”. “Bodies are lying everywhere - in the sea, in the valleys, under the buildings,” Abu Chkiouat told Reuters. Addressing a press conference in Geneva via video link from Tunisia, Tamer Ramadan, the head of a delegation of the IFRC said, “We can confirm from our independent sources of information that the number of missing people is hitting 10,000 so far.” Meanwhile, Libya’s Red Crescent spokesman Taqfiq Shukri, said as many as 2,084 people are confirmed dead. Damage and aid A Reuters journalist on their way to Derna saw vehicles overturned on the edges of roads, trees knocked down and abandoned flooded houses. Reports citing images and videos by residents in the flood-stricken areas also said that a wide torrent was seen running through Derna’s city centre after dams burst. Libya has been politically split east and west with two rival administrations in charge and crumbling public services since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. The head of the eastern Libyan government, Osama Hamad, is not internationally recognised and operates in the eastern regions of the country that are controlled by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). Meanwhile, the internationally recognised Western government in Tripoli does not control eastern areas and has dispatched aid to Derna. Additionally, other countries, including the United States and Turkey said that they would help. Medical aid supplies sent by municipalities of Tripoli and Misrata, along with donations from businessmen, arrived in Al Abraq airport, on Tuesday (Sep 12), reported Reuters. (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: Over 5,000 feared dead, nearly 10,000 missing as floods wipe out quarter of Derna city

The situation in Maghreb which is the Libyan Port City where two dams burst over the weekend. It has been described as disastrous beyond comprehension.

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