Libya’s General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons has confirmed the identification of 25 additional victims of Storm Daniel, following DNA analysis of previously unidentified bodies recovered in Derna.
The announcement was made during a meeting of the Authority’s Scientific Committee on Wednesday, where technical reports confirmed genetic matches between the recovered remains and DNA samples submitted by families of the missing. All steps of testing and verification have been completed, and the confirmed identities have been formally approved.
The Authority stated that the official identification reports have now been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for legal procedures. Among the 25 individuals identified is one Syrian national, underscoring the regional impact of the disaster.
The newly identified victims were matched using DNA samples stored in the Authority’s national database. Families had previously submitted samples as part of an ongoing national campaign to identify those lost in the Derna disaster. The names of the identified individuals have been published publicly to inform relatives and assist with legal and burial procedures.
The Authority had previously announced the successful identification of 18 victims last week, and 14 more earlier this month.
On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya, bringing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and sudden heavy rainfall that affected several areas in the country. The massive flooding killed more than 4,300 people, while more than 8,500 are still missing.
About 25 percent of the Libyan port city of Derna was destroyed by a massive torrent of water and mud after two dams located upstream from the city collapsed from pressure brought on by the heavy rains.
The process of identifying victims has been complicated by the scale of the destruction and the condition of the remains. Many bodies were buried under rubble, swept into the sea, or decomposed beyond recognition, making DNA the most reliable tool available.
The Authority emphasized its commitment to continuing this effort until all possible identifications are completed. Families of missing persons are urged to come forward and provide DNA samples to help complete the process and offer closure.
