Libyan floods - 20th September 2023

A powerful storm hit the city of Derna in Libya on Sunday, 10th September, 2023. Storm Daniel affected Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece before it strengthened and destroyed Derna.

The storm dumped four hundred millimetres of rain in a 24 hour period. This, in a region which typically receives an average of 1.5 millimetres of rain for the month of September meant disaster.

The heavy rains caused the walls of two dams to release deadly waves of water rushing through the city. This played a significant role in the destruction of the city and the loss of lives. The Deputy Director of the Turkish Red Crescent said the damage looks like "an earthquake had hit at the same time".

The number of dead is over 11,000. However, the city's mayor fears that the true figure may be much higher, as more than 10,000 are still missing. The storm might be responsible for the floods but the dams have made them worse.

Since the 2011 revolution which ended President Kadhafi's rule, Libya's been in political crisis. Tripoli, the capital, has been governed by an internationally recognised government and there's been an opposing administration in the east, where Derna is situated. This has slowed international aid from getting to the people of Derna.

The prime minister stated that they'll only accept necessary aid. However, the United Nations is concerned because 30,000 people are homeless and there's no drinking water in Derna. The United Nations would like to prevent the spread of disease after the disaster.