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IOM: Libya Floods Killed Thousands, Displaced Over 43,000


Rescuers search for bodies in Libya's flood wrecked city of Derna, Sept. 21, 2023.
Rescuers search for bodies in Libya's flood wrecked city of Derna, Sept. 21, 2023.

DERNA — The International Organization for Migration Thursday said recent floods in Libya killed thousands in the eastern city of Derna and displaced over 43,000 people.

International aid groups estimate up to 10,000 people are missing resulting from Libya's recent floods and the official death toll stands at more 3,300, however the eventual count is expected to be far higher.

The International Organization for Migration, IOM, said "an estimated 43,059 individuals have been displaced by the floods in northeastern Libya."

"Urgent needs include food, drinking water, mental health and psychosocial support," added the aid group.

Internet users and Libyan analysts argue that authorities in the flood wrecked eastern city of Derna triggered a "blackout" of the web after a two-day disruption and demonstrators took to the streets on Monday blaming authorities for the high death toll.

Services were restored Thursday.

Libya's national telecom company said services were down due to "a rupture in the optical fibre" link to Derna.

Amid the restoration of communication services, the United Nations, Libyan authorities and aid agencies expressed concern "about the risk of disease outbreak, particularly from contaminated water and the lack of sanitation."

The North African nation's disease control center called on residents not to consume water in the disaster zone after highlighting that it is polluted.

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