UAE Extends a Helping Hand to Libya in the Aftermath of Devastating Floods

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken swift action by dispatching two aid planes carrying 150 tonnes of urgent food, relief, and medical supplies to Benina Airport in Libya. 

This humanitarian effort aims to support the victims of the catastrophic floods that have wreaked havoc, resulting in numerous casualties.

A Timely Response to a Dire Situation:

The UAE’s proactive response forms a part of its air bridge operation, which seeks to deliver immediate relief assistance to those in distress and those grappling with the aftermath of severe floods in Libya.

Devastation Unleashed by Catastrophic Floods:

Tragedy struck the Libyan city of Derna, where catastrophic floods claimed many lives. 

As reported by the emergency services, at least 2,300 individuals have lost their lives in this calamity, but fears persist that the actual death toll could be considerably higher.

The floods left a trail of massive destruction in Derna, a Mediterranean coastal city with an approximate population of 100,000. 

Multi-story buildings along the riverbanks crumbled, and houses and vehicles were swept away in the relentless torrents of water.

The Cause of the Deluge: Storm Daniel:

The cataclysmic floods were triggered by torrential rains brought on by Storm Daniel. The storm initially landed in Libya after battering Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey. 

Derna, situated 250 kilometers (150 miles) east of Benghazi, found itself at the epicenter of this disaster. 

The city is characterized by its hills and a normally dry riverbed, which, during the summer, transformed into a ferocious torrent of muddy water. The force of nature also carried away several major bridges.

A Rising Humanitarian Crisis:

The situation remains dire, with Tamer Ramadan of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressing concerns about the staggering death toll, which may reach the thousands. 

Furthermore, an estimated 10,000 people are reported missing after this devastating storm. 

The storm also impacted Benghazi and the hill district of Jabal al-Akhdar, resulting in widespread flooding, mudslides, and extensive damage throughout the region. 

Images from the affected areas portray overturned vehicles and trucks, highlighting the scale of the disaster.

Get all the latest update on UAE Times Now