The General Authority for the Search and Identification of Missing Persons in Libya announced on Wednesday that 3,297 people were missing in the catastrophic floods that hit the eastern city of Derna nearly two years ago.

At a press conference in Tripoli, Kamal al-Siwi, president of the Authority, said: “Storm Daniel’s impact on Derna has left 3,297 people missing, according to our records.”

Al-Siwi revealed that the agency has collected 3,078 DNA samples from victims and their families, which have been sent to laboratory departments for analysis. The laboratories have completed their work, finalizing a genetic database of the victims and beginning the analysis of bone samples from unidentified bodies recovered in the aftermath of the disaster. “This is a critical step in identifying those lost and bringing closure to families,” Al-Siwi said.

The Mediterranean storm, known as Daniel, struck eastern Libya on September 10, 2023, with Derna suffering the brunt of its impact. The collapse of the Al-Bilad and Abu Mansour dams in Wadi Derna unleashed a torrent of water that swept away entire neighborhoods, leaving behind widespread destruction. Official figures report 4,540 deaths, including 3,964 Libyans and 576 foreigners, though the number of missing persons had not been publicly disclosed until Al-Siwi’s statement.

The flooding also affected other eastern Libyan cities, including Benghazi, Al Bayda, Al Marj, and Susah. In the immediate aftermath, 12 countries—Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria, Malta, Italy, Spain, and France—provided emergency aid to support rescue and recovery efforts.

In a related development, the Derna Criminal Court sentenced 12 officials to prison terms ranging from 9 to 27 years on July 28, 2024, for their role in the collapse of the Derna dams. The ruling, announced by Prosecutor General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, held the officials accountable for negligence that contributed to the disaster.

The ongoing DNA analysis and identification efforts mark a significant step toward addressing the tragedy’s toll, as families continue to seek answers about their loved ones. Authorities have pledged to continue their work to identify remains and provide support to the affected communities in Derna and beyond. (ILKHA)