The humanitarian crisis in Libya has worsened as the city of Derna faces a massive flood disaster. According to the latest reports, more than 11,000 people have lost their lives and another 10,000 are still unaccounted for after a powerful storm hit the coastal city on Monday.

The floodwaters swept away homes, cars, bridges and infrastructure, leaving behind a scene of devastation and despair. Many residents were trapped in their houses or on rooftops, waiting for rescue teams to arrive. Some managed to escape by swimming or using makeshift boats, but others were not so lucky.

The Libyan Red Crescent, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations are working around the clock to provide relief and assistance to the survivors. They are facing many challenges, such as lack of access, security threats, fuel shortages and communication breakdowns. They are also struggling to cope with the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, that could spread among the affected population.

The international community has expressed its solidarity and support for Libya and its people in this difficult time. Several countries have pledged financial aid, emergency supplies and technical expertise to help with the recovery efforts. The United Nations has also launched an appeal for $165 million to address the urgent needs of the flood victims.

The flood disaster in Derna is one of the worst natural calamities to hit Libya in its modern history. It has added to the suffering and hardship of a country that has been plagued by civil war, political instability and economic collapse for more than a decade. It has also exposed the fragility and vulnerability of Libya’s infrastructure and institutions, which have been neglected and damaged by years of conflict and corruption.

The people of Derna need our help and compassion more than ever. They have shown remarkable resilience and courage in the face of adversity, but they cannot overcome this tragedy alone. They need us to stand with them and support them in their recovery and reconstruction. They need us to remember them and not forget them.

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