19 Sep 2023

9,000 still missing in Libya after floods

From Morning Report, 6:48 am on 19 September 2023

People whose homes were swept away by flooding in Libya's eastern city of Derna a week ago are faced the dilemma whether to stay and risk infection or flee.

Thousands of people were killed after two dams above Derna broke last week during a powerful storm, bringing down residential blocks.

Many bodies have been washed out to sea.

The UN says at least 3,958 people have died across Libya, down from an ealier report putting the number closer to 11,000, due to flooding.

A revised report released over the weekend also states that more than 9,000 people are still missing.

Rana Ksaifi, deputy head of mission for the UN Refugee Agency's operation in Libya, has been in Derna in the aftermath of the disaster.

Ksaifi spoke to Morning Report.