Tragedy struck eastern Libya as the Libyan National Unity Government confirmed the loss of two lives on Monday due to devastating floods that swept through multiple areas in the region.
The deluge was unleashed by the Mediterranean storm named Daniel, which wreaked havoc on several cities, including Benghazi, Bayda, Al Marj, Soussa, and Derna, on Sunday, according to a local media reports.
Government spokesperson Mohamad Hamouda lamented the impact of the storm, stating that it “caused the death of two people in the east of the country,” as reported by Al-Ahrar news.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has issued directives for several security agencies to deploy teams to the eastern region to provide essential support and assistance.
The mayor of Bayda Municipality, Safi Al-Din Idris Haiba, expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the affected areas, describing it as “out of control.” Haiba urgently called on officials to intervene and take immediate action.
He also issued a public statement advising residents to stay indoors for their safety and requested the assistance of security services in rescuing those stranded by the storm’s aftermath.
Meanwhile, the Libyan Supreme Council of State announced that it is closely monitoring the developments in eastern Libya and has called upon state agencies across the country, both in the east and west, to collaborate and work together to manage the ongoing crisis.
Prior to these tragic events, authorities in eastern Libya had already declared a state of emergency, recognizing the imminent threat posed by the adverse weather conditions.
The National Center of Meteorology had issued warnings of “weather fluctuations affecting the regions of northeastern Libya on Sunday,” serving as a precursor to the devastating storm that has now left eastern Libya grappling with the aftermath of deadly floods.