Libya is facing a humanitarian crisis after a powerful storm caused two dams to collapse in the northeast, unleashing a torrent of water that swept away entire neighborhoods and killed thousands of people.
The storm, named Daniel, was a rare tropical-like cyclone that formed over the Mediterranean Sea and brought heavy rain and strong winds to the coastal regions of Libya and other countries. The storm triggered flash floods that overwhelmed the dams in the Derna region, which were already weakened by years of conflict and neglect.
According to the health minister of the eastern parliament-backed government, Othman Abduljalil, more than 2,000 people have died and about 6,000 more are missing in the city of Derna, which was badly affected by the dam collapse. He said that rescue efforts were hampered by the lack of equipment and resources, as well as the security situation in the area.
The storm also caused severe damage and flooding in other parts of Libya, such as Bayda and Misrata. Many roads, bridges, buildings, and power lines were destroyed or damaged by the storm. Some people were trapped in their homes or cars by the rising water levels. The storm also disrupted the oil production and exports in the country, which is a major source of income for the war-torn nation.
The United Nations in Libya said it was closely following the emergency and called for urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected people. It also urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow safe access for aid workers and supplies. The UN said it was working with its partners to provide food, water, shelter, health care, and protection to the people in need.