Up to 10,000 people feared dead after devastating floods sweep Libya
NBCSep 03, 2023
The Facts
As of Wednesday, the death toll from the catastrophic storm Daniel that hit Libya over the weekend, causing two dams to collapse in the city of Derna, reportedly stands at around 6K and is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
With nearly 10K people unaccounted for and over 30K displaced, foreign aid — including rescue teams, food, clothes, and medical supplies — began to reach the nation Wednesday.
The Spin
Narrative A
Years of conflict in Libya have left its 7M residents vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate, including droughts, extreme heat, sea-level rise, and food and water insecurity. Over-dependence on oil exports and a lack of investment in agriculture and energy infrastructure have left isolated local governments burdened with the responsibility of securing a livable future in the country.
Narrative B
Libya is politically divided thanks to the 2011 NATO-backed uprising. Still, though Libya remains in a state of conflict, both governments are united in sending aid and funds to the affected areas. Additionally, the country is collaborating with the UN to create a bright future fit with renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and clean water — all of which will be contributing factors toward its future political stability.