About Derna's Catastrophic Flood

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On September 10, 2023, a powerful storm named Daniel and two dams collapsing caused catastrophic flooding in the eastern Libyan city of Derna and its surrounding villages, including Bayda, Sousse, Shahat, Omar al-Mokhtar, and Marj.

The devastation in Derna followed the collapse of two aging dams, resulting in the rapid release of river water that washed away an entire neighborhood. Online footage shows whole residential areas obliterated, with apartment buildings partially sinking into the mud. Four bridges collapsed, and utilities were wiped out. In its wake, the flood has killed over 5,000 people, with thousands more still missing as of this writing two days later. Derna and the surrounding villages remain largely inaccessible, prompting local leaders to describe the situation as a "catastrophe" and hampering international aid efforts.

Despite a population of 100,000, Derna has no hospitals. The region has few public services, and its infrastructure was already in ruins. Add in the ongoing decade-long conflict between two rival federal governments, each supported by their respective militias, and efforts to render aid and get supplies to those that need them are futile.

Historically, Libya has faced governance challenges, especially after the 2011 uprising that led to the downfall of Moammar Gadhafi. This instability has resulted in limited investment in infrastructure and public services.
The storm impacted not only Derna but other regions, including Benghazi. The United Nations and various international leaders have expressed condolences and readiness to assist.