‘Catastrophic’ health situation in Libya in wake of deadly storm, floods: Official

The health situation in Libya is catastrophic following a Mediterranean rainstorm and devastating floods, with dead bodies still lying out in the open in many areas, a Libyan health official said Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reports.

“The health situation in areas hit by floods is catastrophic, especially in the city of Derna,” the official, who asked not to be named, told Anadolu.

“The only operational hospital in Derna is now out of service. Corpses were transferred to field hospitals where they are still lying,” the health official said.

More than 3,000 people have been reported dead and thousands remain unaccounted for, after floods caused by Storm Daniel struck eastern Libya, according to officials.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent on Monday gave a far higher estimate of 10,000 missing.

Initial reports indicate that dozens of villages and towns were severely affected by the storm, amid widespread damage to infrastructure.

Local authorities in Derna said two dams collapsed in the city, adding to the devastating floods.

On Monday, Libya’s Presidential Council appealed to friendly countries and international aid groups to provide aid to the flood-stricken areas in the eastern region.

Turkiye, on Monday, dispatched its third plane of search and rescue teams along with much-needed humanitarian aid.

READ: Libya declares 3 days of national mourning amid floods