In a serious turn of events, Libya finds itself grappling with a tsunami flood that has claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 people, leaving thousands more missing. The Mediterranean coastal city of Derna, in particular, has borne the brunt of this tragedy, with the mayor expressing fears that the death toll in the city alone could surge to a staggering 20,000.

A coordinated global response is now underway. Aircraft from Middle Eastern and European nations, along with ships, have been providing emergency aid to the North African country already scarred by war. The bursting of two upstream dams due to torrential rains brought by Storm Daniel exacerbated this tragic situation. Many people have been displaced from their homes. The tsunami was a result of the sheer force and volume of the floodwaters.

The wall of water tore through the city, causing extensive damage by sweeping away buildings, vehicles, and the unfortunate people caught in its path. Their lifeless bodies were found on the beaches, which were strewn with debris and wreckage of cars. The natural disaster has left a significant impact on the community, and recovery and relief efforts are expected to be extensive, highlighting the need for preparedness and response in vulnerable areas.

“We actually need specialized teams in recovering bodies, I fear that the city will be infected with an epidemic due to the large number of bodies under the rubble and in the water,” warned a local official in Derna, emphasizing the need for specialized teams to aid in body recovery.

These catastrophic floods mark the second major disaster to hit North Africa in a matter of days, following a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that claimed nearly 3,000 lives in Morocco just last week.

In response to the crisis, the United Nations has pledged $10 million to support survivors in Libya, including at least 30,000 people who have been left homeless in Derna—almost a third of the city’s pre-disaster population.

The Organization for Migration said there were widespread power outages and communications disruptions. London has announced its working with “trusted partners on the ground” to identify the most urgent basic needs, including shelter, healthcare, and sanitation.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the president of Libya’s neighbor Egypt, is establishing shelter camps for survivors of the Libyan disaster, according to state media. France is also sending 40 rescuers and tons of health supplies, while Turkey and Italy are also providing logistical and medical support.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has reported that independent sources suggest the number of missing persons has reached a staggering 10,000.

Climate experts are linking Libya’s recent disaster to a combination of factors, including the consequences of a warming planet and years of political instability and underinvestment in infrastructure. As the global community rallies to provide aid and support, the challenges posed by such catastrophic events serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures in the face of a changing climate and a turbulent world.

-Uttara Singh Chauhan