Libya: Army evacuates Derna to complete search & rescue operations

Flood survivors in Libya recount the horrors of recent days as many international NGOs are yet to reach the stricken region four days after the flood destroyed the eastern city of Derna. It has been left to regional aid organisations and ordinary citizens to lead rescue efforts, provide medical assistance and distribute food and drinking water.

Libya’s Ministry of the Interior said “the army has evacuated the city of Derna of all its residents and journalists to facilitate search and rescue operations.”

In the statement, reported to Anadolu Agency, ministry spokesperson, Tariq Al-Kharraz said: “The army evacuated Derna of residents and journalists to make room for local and international rescue teams to work and recover victims of the hurricane.”

Hurricane Daniel swept through several areas in eastern Libya, most notably the cities of Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Al-Marj, Sousse and Derna, where it killed more than 6,000 people and left tens of thousands missing.

The death toll is expected to rise as bodies are washed ashore.

Locals have been working together to uncover the bodies of neighbours trapped beneath the rubble in Derna and areas worst hit by the floods.

READ: Libya: flood death toll in Derna ‘may reach 20,000’

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