The United Nations (UN) envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, has appealed for international aid after devastating floods killed at least 11,300 people and destroyed entire neighborhoods in the eastern city of Derna.

Bathily described the situation as "truly heart-wrenching" and emphasized that the crisis in Derna exceeds Libya's capacity to manage, transcending political boundaries.

The catastrophe was triggered by Storm Daniel, which lashed the eastern coastal cities of Derna, Al-Bayda, and Al-Marj on Saturday. Particularly hard-hit were the city of Derna and its surrounding areas, where two dams in the Derna valley collapsed, unleashing a torrent that engulfed entire neighborhoods and claimed the lives of numerous families. Nearly a quarter of Derna has been obliterated by the floodwaters.

Bathily revealed that the United Nations is actively collaborating with local authorities and aid agencies on the ground to provide crucial assistance to those in need. He further stated, "Simultaneously, our team is also conducting further assessment of the situation to enhance coordination of the response efforts in Derna and other affected areas."

In response to the disaster, Libyan Attorney General, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, has initiated investigations into the dam failures in Derna. The aim is to uncover any potential causes linked to "corruption and negligence."

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to assist Derna and its affected residents are underway. (ILKHA)