In the wake of severe floods that hit the eastern city of Derna in Libya, international rescue teams are calling for additional resources to help recover the bodies of victims.
Over a week after the disaster, a large number of victims remain underwater, and some are in areas that require special equipment to access.
At a meeting in Derna involving mission representatives from several countries including Russia, Turkey, Italy, and various Arab nations, the Tunisian mission’s spokesperson stressed the need for enhanced assistance to make the recovery process more efficient.
Teams from the UAE, Egypt, and Algeria reported finding victims along the Mediterranean coast, particularly in bays and coves that need specific boats for access. An Algerian team member noted seeing about 50 bodies near a cliff about seven nautical miles from Derna’s port, a location only reachable by boats and divers.
An Egyptian representative mentioned that if suitable boats were available, they could recover up to 100 bodies a day.
Recent floods in Derna displaced large parts of the city into the Mediterranean. While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, a UN report estimates around 11,300 deaths. However, the Libyan health ministry reported a count of 3,252, creating discrepancies in the official figures.
Since the severe rainfall from Storm Daniel, over 40,000 people have been displaced in northeastern Libya. Experts attribute the impact of the storm to several factors, including old infrastructure, insufficient warnings, and the increasing effects of climate change.
Derna, once home to about 100,000 residents, has its waterfront as the primary location for body delivery and burial due to health concerns associated with decomposing bodies.
Volunteers in the area mentioned the challenges in identifying victims after a week, noting that they become very similar in appearance.
Asma Awad, a volunteer who lost family members, expressed uncertainty about Derna’s future.
