Disaster in Libya

Libya has been struggling with instability and violence since the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in 2011. In recent years, the country has been divided between two rival governments, each backed by different factions of militias. The humanitarian situation in Libya has deteriorated as a result of this conflict, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. There have also been reports of human rights abuses and widespread displacement of civilians. In addition, the country's oil industry has been severely impacted by the violence, leading to an economic crisis.

In 2023, the situation in Libya remains dire, with no end in sight to the conflict. The United Nations has warned that the country is on the brink of a major humanitarian crisis, with up to two million people at risk of starvation. In addition, there is a serious risk of a large-scale outbreak of disease, due to the collapse of the health system. The UN has appealed for international assistance, but so far the response has been inadequate. As a result, the humanitarian crisis in Libya continues to deepen, with no sign of resolution.

The ongoing violence in Libya has led to a high number of civilian casualties. While the exact death toll is unknown, it is estimated that thousands of people have been killed and injured since the start of the conflict. Many of these casualties have been caused by indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and other civilian areas. There have also been reports of extrajudicial killings and executions carried out by both sides of the conflict. The situation is particularly dire for children, who are at risk of being killed, injured, or displaced.

it is important to be prepared for the possibility of a major disaster in Libya in 2023. This could include a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood, or a man-made disaster such as a war or civil unrest. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to have plans in place for how to respond to such an event. This could include evacuation plans, emergency supplies, and communication strategies. By being prepared, you can help to minimize the impact of a disaster on yourself and your loved ones.

Officials in eastern Libya say more than 5,000 people have died in devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel.

Survivors in Derna have spoken to the Reuters news agency describing their ordeal.

“At first we just thought it was heavy rain but at midnight we heard a huge explosion and it was the dam bursting,” said Raja Sassi, 39, who survived with his wife and small daughter while the rest of his family died. The city centre was littered with corpses, he said.

His wife Nouriya al-Hasadi, 31, who had clung to her small daughter through their escape, said it was “miraculous” that they had survived.

Safia Mustafa, 41, a mother of two sons, said they managed to flee their home before the building collapsed. They climbed to the roof and escaped across the roofs of neighbouring blocks. Her son, Obai, 10, said he was praying to God for their survival.

Saliha Abu Bakr, a 46-year-old lawyer, said she and her two sisters had survived the disaster, but her mother had died. Water quickly engulfed their building, reaching the third floor.

The flood waters rushed into their apartment almost up to the ceiling and for what she said felt like three hours she held a piece of furniture trying to stay afloat. “I can swim, but when I tried to rescue my family I couldn’t do anything,” she said. The flood waters receded and they left the building shortly before it collapsed with her.

Aid agencies have so far provided lower estimates but warn the number of victims could sharply rise as thousands remain unaccounted.