By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL- Ever since Storm Daniel thrashed eastern Libya on Sunday, leaving major flooding in its wake, the Turkish government sent three aircraft, transporting a large rescue team along with humanitarian aid to Libya. Cities severely battered include Benghazi, Bayda, Al Marj, Soussa and Derna. Early Monday, Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh from its Tripoli-based unity government, declared a disaster zone for all areas hit by the storm and flooded regions. Dbeibeh also declared three days of national mourning after hundreds of thousands of people were either killed or injured. Libyan News Agency (LANA) reported that Osama Hamad, head of the parliament-appointed government in the eastern region, said that over 2,200 people died in Derna. Hamad added that whole residential blocks were swept away by the flooding.
Currently, Libya’s top governmental authority is requesting assistance from friendly countries and international aid groups in flood-ravaged regions in the eastern part of the country. In a statement from the Libyan Presidential Council: “We are certain that international solidarity will have a positive effect in rebuilding the area and its recovery from such a natural disaster.” The council urged Libyans to follow safety instructions and warnings that have been issued by official authorities in the country. Libya’s foreign ministry told the media that it’s working with all institutions to coordinate assistance and support to Libya.
Photo : AA
