North Coast emergency responders join relief efforts in flood-struck Libya

Eight of Ballito’s finest emergency responders touched down at Derna, Libya yesterday (Tuesday) to join relief and rescue efforts in the wake of Mediterranean storm Daniel.

Heavy rains started lashing the North African country on September 10, leading to the collapse of two dams on September 11 before a wall of water about two storeys high pounded the port city of Derna.

So far 3 958 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 9 000 still missing and 50 000 left homeless.

Several days on, search and rescue efforts are still underway.

IPSS Medical Rescue’s search and rescue teams left South Africa on Monday evening, joined by Al-Imdaad Foundation team-members with whom they will answer the call to help with efforts currently underway in Derna.

Al-Imdaad is a South African-based non-profit relief organisation dedicated to providing humanitarian services in especially crisis situations.

During a briefing session on Monday morning before their departure, head of IPSS Medical Rescue Dylan Meyrick explained to the team that they were heading into utter devastation.

“There is no water, electricity or cell phone signals,” he said, highlighting that they would be roughing it for the majority of their rescue work.

“Our team is heading in willingly, knowing the challenges that lie ahead,” Meyrick said.

Travel restrictions and an ongoing civil war despite a 2020 ceasefire agreement will add pressure to the situation, coupled with the fact that the team will only be carrying tools and medical equipment with them.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported on September 14 that additional teams were being deployed to the region to distribute humanitarian assistance.

Six-thousand body bags have also been distributed to ensure dignified treatment of the dead.

The death toll is anticipated to reach 20 000.

“This disaster was violent and brutal. A wave seven metres high wiped out buildings and washed infrastructure into the sea. Now family members are missing, dead bodies are washing back up on shore, and homes are destroyed.

“The city faces immense emotional trauma,” said Yann Fridez, head of ICRC’s Libya delegation.

The two collapsed dams were reported to have been a concern for some time and will now be subject to investigation.

Abu Mansour dam could have held up to 22.5 million cubic metres of water, while Derna, much closer to the city, could hold up to 1.5 million cubic metres of water.

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