The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that Russian divers, part of the rescue teams, have begun diving into the sea off Derna in eastern Libya, in search of the victims of the storm Daniel.
According to Russia’s RT news, the ministry stated, “Russian divers are using specialized equipment to survey the seabed, up to a depth of eight meters in a hazardous mission. The harbour waters are filled with the debris of destroyed buildings and sunken vehicles.”
The ministry emphasised the challenging working conditions for the divers, due to the accumulation of debris. “To access specific areas, they must remove the rubble, while other teams continue to comb the port’s shoreline,” it noted.
The emergency teams also continue their work in areas that require special equipment and expertise, including exploring the basements of destroyed buildings, and providing necessary support and training to Libyan rescue teams.
Russian rescue teams have deployed a mobile hospital and a field camp in Derna, to provide medical assistance to the affected and carry out emergency rescue operations.
The Russian Ministry of Emergencies also announced the dispatch of aid-laden aircraft, and a mobile hospital to Libya.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi, for the victims of the hurricane.
Earlier, the Russian Emergency Ministry’s press office confirmed that 50 specialists have arrived in Libya, to conduct search and rescue operations.
This is the third team dispatched, accompanied by a field hospital to Libya, to assist the victims of a devastating flood.
According to the ministry, “The first batch of 50 specialists from the Russian Emergency Department has landed in Libya. These experts, hailing from the ‘Lider center’ are en route to the city of Derna, to perform search and rescue operations.”
These specialists come equipped with all the necessary tools for search and rescue operations, including watercraft, diving equipment, and also include canine units.
Notably, a third Russian relief plane landed at Benghazi’s Benina Airport, carrying a range of technical equipment and rescue machinery on Saturday.
The storm’s impact was gravely felt across the nation, prompting international concern and offers of assistance.