The government in eastern Libya, appointed by the Parliament and unrecognized by the international community, has declared a three-day national mourning period in the wake of Storm Daniel. This devastating storm, following its path through Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, has wreaked havoc in Libya, with the eastern region bearing the brunt of its fury.
Particularly affected is the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region in eastern Libya, comprising several cities such as Al Bayda, Sousse, Chahat, and the coastal city of Darna, home to 100,000 residents. Tragically, two dams located above Darna succumbed to the relentless pressure of floodwaters, resulting in extensive material damage and, most grievously, loss of life, as revealed by a member of the Darna Municipal Council.
Darna, nestled within the lush Al Jabal Al Akhdar region, surrounded by a range of mountains, has been inundated by torrential rains and the rupture of these dams. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, but Prime Minister Oussama Hamad of the eastern Libyan government, speaking on a local channel, provided preliminary figures, stating, “The missing are counted in the thousands. There are over 2,000 fatalities. Entire neighborhoods, along with their inhabitants, have been swept away by the waters into the sea.”
Overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation and unable to continue, Prime Minister Hamad ceded the floor to Ali Al Gotaani, his Deputy Prime Minister, who vividly described the harrowing scenes witnessed: “This is more than a catastrophe; it is apocalyptic. The government is in a crisis meeting. We implore all rescuers and those who can assist to come immediately to Darna. Entire neighborhoods have vanished completely. There is no longer any electricity or communication.”
Videos circulating on social media depict the complete disappearance of the seaside promenade and several city districts along the riverbank. A member of the Municipal Council shared a poignant account on the social network X, recounting how helpless residents watched as the waters carried away lifeless bodies. “Several buildings and homes in the city center were swept away by the torrents. Landslides have caused immense destruction. Given the extensive material and human losses, we declare Darna a disaster-stricken city. We urgently request the opening of a sea evacuation route and an international intervention, as the city is in an apocalyptic state,” the council member expressed.
According to our sources, members of the Red Crescent and the Libyan National Army, who were providing aid to residents, have gone missing. The Libyan Presidential Council, in power in Tripoli and rivalry with the eastern authorities, has declared a state of emergency and issued an appeal for international assistance. Climate experts have deemed the precipitation levels “extremely high in terms of rainfall amounts.” A three-day mourning period has been declared by the Parliament of Cyrenaica, in eastern Libya.