On Monday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its condolences to the families of the flood victims in the east of the country.
The Mission said in a statement that it was ready to provide support in relief efforts. It stated that it is “closely monitoring the emergency situation caused by severe weather conditions in the eastern part of the country.”
UNSMIL offered its “heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones,” and expressed “sincere sympathy to all those affected.”
It declared its “preparedness to support the affected local authorities and municipalities in responding to the emergency, and providing urgent relief assistance.” It also pledged to support response efforts at both the local and national levels.
The UN mission said it “stands ready to collaborate with local stakeholders and relevant authorities to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.” The mission emphasised its “commitment to providing immediate relief aid and assistance to those impacted by the floods.”
According to Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath, the number of fatalities in Derna alone has risen to 150 on Monday.
In turn, the Libyan Parliament-designated government declared the city a disaster-stricken area. This is following Storm Daniel, which struck the eastern part of the country, and caused extensive damage to public and private property.
Local authorities have announced that the situation “is out of control, even in areas not expected to be affected.” They have highlighted the evacuation of families to hotels and care centers, while the number of people still trapped inside their homes remains unknown.
Meanwhile, the Spokesman for the Libyan National Army (LNA), General Ahmed Al-Mismari announced the loss of contact with five soldiers, during an operation to rescue stranded families in the city of Al-Bayda.