Deadly Storm Daniel Triggers Catastrophic Floods Claiming Thousands of Lives in Libya as Nigeria Braces for Torrential Rains
Derna, Libya.
In a tragic turn of events, Storm Daniel, an exceptionally powerful Mediterranean cyclone, wrought widespread devastation upon the city of Derna in Libya. The storm’s fury led to the catastrophic collapse of two dams, inundating buildings and tragically claiming the lives of more than 6,000 individuals.
Disturbingly, Derna’s Mayor, Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, has suggested that the final death toll could potentially soar to 18,000 to 20,000 lives lost.
Saadeddin Wakil, undersecretary of the health ministry, has officially confirmed the death toll exceeding 6,000 as of Wednesday. The consequences of this calamity have overwhelmed local hospitals, while mortuaries are now strained to capacity.
Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi’s somber estimate has sent shockwaves through the international community, highlighting the sheer magnitude of this disaster. Calls for humanitarian aid continue to intensify as thousands remain missing or trapped beneath the rubble. The devastating floods have displaced more than 30,000 people in Derna, further complicating the already challenging relief efforts.
As Libya grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented catastrophe, Nigeria finds itself on high alert. The Federal Government has issued a warning of torrential rainfall expected to inundate approximately 48 towns spanning across 13 states from September 13 to September 17, 2023. If left unchecked, these heavy rains could potentially result in devastating floods across these areas.
Of particular concern are the rising water levels of the River Benue and River Niger, which could spell disaster for communities residing along their banks, reaching as far as Bayelsa State. In response to this impending threat, residents in these regions are strongly advised to take precautionary measures to safeguard their lives and properties.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is actively working to mitigate the flood risks posed by heavy rainfall and the release of water from dams and rivers. Nigerians are urged to heed the recommendations of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, as the government diligently seeks solutions to address this pressing issue.
As Libya and Nigeria grapple with the harrowing consequences of these natural disasters, the international community watches with empathy and solidarity, standing united with these two nations in their shared struggle against the forces of nature’s wrath.