About our Derna news
Latest news on Derna, a port city in eastern Libya, with a population of about 90,000. It has a history dating back to the ancient Greek and Roman times, and was the site of the first US military victory on foreign soil in 1805. It is also known for its natural beauty, as it lies between green mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, and the desert.
However, Derna has recently faced a terrible tragedy, as it was hit by devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel on Sunday, September 10, 2023. The storm, which also affected parts of Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and other Libyan cities, brought heavy rains that triggered the collapse of two dams and four bridges on the Wadi Derna river. The raging waters swept away entire neighbourhoods and buildings, leaving thousands of people dead or missing.
According to the latest reports, the death toll in Derna alone stood at around 4,500, and the minister from the eastern-based government said that 25% of the city had disappeared. The flooding has also displaced tens of thousands of people who are in need of humanitarian assistance.
The disaster has exposed the weakness of Libya's infrastructure and governance, as the country remains divided between two rival administrations after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The response to the crisis has been slow and inadequate, as there are no trained rescuers or coordinated efforts. Some international organisations and countries have offered help, but it is unclear how it will reach the affected areas.