It is an endless massacre in the devastated port city of Derna in Libya, which could result in around 20,000 deaths for Storm Daniel, which hit the northern coast of Libya on Saturday evening. Compared to the 10,000 casualties declared by official humanitarian organizations such as the Libyan Red Crescent, the new dramatic estimate of 20,000 dead comes from Al-Bayda Medical Center director Abdul Rahim Mazi, quoted by the Guardian, while international aid barely begins The number of deaths confirmed so far from the floods in Derna is 3,800, local authorities said.
The sea continues to bring back the bodies of victims, Many people are flocking to the roads, but it will take some time before the official toll is confirmed. The devastation is even worse than initially feared. “The sea constantly throws away dozens of bodies,” the British newspaper quoted Hichem Abu Chkiouat, civil aviation minister in the government that governs eastern Libya, as saying, adding that reconstruction would cost billions of dollars. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Derna, at least 30,000 people have now been displaced.
Help from Italy
Italy has mobilized to help Libya. Two Air Force C130 J aircraft took off from Pisa military airport on three flights to transport fire brigade personnel and in particular water risk experts with appropriate support equipment and essential logistics materials. The Navy’s San Giorgio ship has also departed and will reach the Derna area in the next 24 hours to ensure the logistical, command and control functions and medical support for the planned national operational unit to support the flooded areas. In addition, the use of the naval ship “San Marco” is also being examined if local conditions require it. “Defense and the Armed Forces will provide their utmost support to help the Libyan people hit by a devastating flood,” said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who already heads the Defense General Staff and Covi (Joint Forces Summit Operations Command). to immediately provide all possible assistance from the Italian armed forces to Libya and its population. The San Marco was able to transport the remaining civil protection personnel, the Italian Red Cross and all the necessary defense material. This includes two helicopters for possible search and rescue operations. Another flight with 36 units is scheduled to depart tomorrow
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