DISASTERS
How floods ravaged Libyan port city of Derna
September 12, 2023 - A combination of extreme weather, vulnerable geography and crumbling infrastructure weakened by more than a decade of conflict led to the catastrophic flooding of Derna.
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Swathes of the Mediterranean city of Derna were obliterated by the flood torrent, unleashed after rains from a powerful Storm Daniel burst dams above the city.
More than 100mm of rain were recorded in Derna over three days, from Sep 9 to Sep 12, where the average rainfall for the entire month of September is under 1.5mm.
Derna is supposed to be protected by two dams. Both collapsed as water overwhelmed them.
The internationally recognised government in Tripoli said at least 2,300 people died; while the eastern administration - which controls Derna - said more than 5,300 bodies had been found.
The number is likely to increase significantly and may even double because of the number of missing people.