(SE): In the aftermath of devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel, which swept in from the Mediterranean and smashed into Libya, Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the flooding in the eastern part of Libya,” Vatican News reported on September 12.
Media reports say at least 18,000-20,000 people were feared dead as of September 14, and thousands more missing, with the port city of Derna declared a disaster area as two dams and four bridges crumbled, submerging much of the area, with Reuters reporting that a quarter of the city was wiped out.
Benghazi, Sousse, and Al-Marj were also impacted, media reports say
The pope assured those affected of his “prayers for the souls of the deceased and all who mourn their loss.”
He sent his condolences to the people of Libya in a telegramme signed by the Vatican secretary of state, Pietro Cardinal Parolin and sent to the Apostolic Nuncio to Libya, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai.
At least 1,000 bodies had already been recovered in the city of Derna alone, and officials expect the death toll may rise much higher, Vatican News reported.
Pope Francis said he was ‘deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the flooding in the eastern part of Libya
Tamer Ramadan, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Libya, told reporters the death toll is likely to be “huge,” the BBC reported on September 12. The number of people reported missing is about 10,000.
Libyan Red Crescent volunteers were the first on the ground, evacuating people and providing first aid and search and rescue efforts in close coordination with local authorities, according to the website of the British Red Cross.
Richard Blewitt, executive director of International for the British Red Cross, said, “The priority right now is search and rescue so we can save as many lives as possible. Red Cross/Red Crescent teams are responding, providing first aid to those that need it, searching for the missing and helping to reunite families.
“However, the situation is extremely dangerous and sadly, three Libyan Red Crescent volunteers lost their lives while trying to save the lives of others,” he said.
Pope Francis expressed his “heartfelt spiritual closeness” to the injured, to those who fear for their missing loved ones, and to the emergency personnel providing rescue and relief assistance.
The pope invoked divine blessings of consolation, strength and perseverance upon all affected by the tragedy.
According to the BBC, Brian Lander, the deputy director of emergencies at the UN’s World Food Programme, said the organisation had food supplies for 5,000 families.
Libya has been divided between two rival administrations since 2014, following the killing of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. There is the Benghazi-based administration and the rival, internationally recognised government in the capital, Tripoli.
The BBC reported in September 11 that both governments had declared three days of mourning
