On Sunday, the General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons announced the exhumation of 68 unidentified bodies from a mass grave in the city of Derna. This latest retrieval brings the count of bodies unearthed to a staggering 604. This comes part of Libya’s ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the catastrophic Storm, Daniel.
In a dedicated and systematic approach, specialised teams extracted DNA samples from 60 of these bodies, contributing to a growing database with now 1,420 samples collected.
Further, the Authority’s statement indicates a significant milestone in these recovery efforts, with the total number of bodies reburied in Derna’s Martyrs’ Cemetery (Al-Fataih) increasing to 510. This process not only provides a dignified final resting place for the victims, but also aims to bring some solace to families still searching for their missing loved ones.
The social and psychological support team affiliated with the Emergency and Rapid Response Committee has discussed coordinating efforts between sectors, to provide support to survivors of the floods.
The government had previously announced it would provide mental health support to those affected by the disaster. The IOM said an estimated 42,045 people remain displaced after Storm Daniel made landfall in northeastern Libya on 11 September. It added that four percent of displaced individuals are in western Libya, and the rest are in eastern regions.
These efforts reflect Libya’s deep commitment to humanitarian principles in the wake of disaster, prioritising the dignified treatment of the deceased and the essential process of identification for closure and commemoration.
As Libya continues on its path of healing and recovery, the unwavering work of the General Authority for the Search and Identification of the Missing stands as a poignant reminder of the nation’s resilience and its resolve to uphold human dignity and compassion in times of crisis.