The Mediterranean country of Libya is facing a severe humanitarian crisis in the wake of Cyclone Daniel. The storm struck the northeastern coast with catastrophic force, leaving thousands dead and missing and vast destruction in its wake.
dumping 33 million liters of water that washed away entire residential areas, overflowing bridges, and roads washed away, aid is urgently needed to assist the Libyan people in this time of distress.
The force of the cyclone has disrupted many lives, with entire towns and villages submerged and the death toll rising beyond 6,500. Representatives from the Libyan government have reported mass graves, with corpses stacked outside of overflowing hospitals. Adding to the tragedy, the lingering civil war in the region has also taken its toll on the people, compounding problems and leaving them even more vulnerable to the storm’s destructive force.
In the aftermath of the disaster, representatives of the Libyan government, led by Presidential Council head Mohamed al Manfi, are calling on the international community for foreign support. Already, funds have been allocated by the Government of National Unity for the reconstruction of Benghazi and Derna, as well as 96 million euros for the victims in disaster areas.
In response, international aid is already on its way with Italy and Spain sending medical assistance and forensic teams, while Total of France and Eni of Italy have offered airplanes to the Benghazi government.
In the coming days and weeks, the full extent of the damage done by Cyclone Daniel and the resulting impact on the people of Libya will become apparent. As the humanitarian crisis takes its toll, the Libyan people are in desperate need of assistance and cannot bear the burden of this tragedy alone.
With information from EFE