Powerful storm hits Eastern Libya, claims at least three lives

A formidable Mediterranean storm passed through eastern Libya, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure and resulting in the loss of at least three lives, as reported by government sources and eyewitnesses on Monday.

Social media footage depicted individuals stranded on the roofs of their vehicles, desperately seeking assistance amidst severe flooding caused by Storm Daniel in cities including Benghazi, Sousse, Al Bayda, Al-Marj, and Derna.

In response to the storm’s impact on Sunday and Monday, authorities declared a state of severe emergency, leading to the closure of schools and businesses, along with the implementation of a curfew.

According to information provided by two oil engineers to media, four significant oil ports in Libya, namely Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega, and Es Sidra, were shut down starting from Saturday evening and will remain closed for a duration of three days.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeiba of the interim government in Tripoli announced that he had instructed all state agencies to promptly address the damage and flooding in eastern cities.

The United Nations in Libya said it was following the storm closely and would “provide urgent relief assistance in support of response efforts at local and national levels”.

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