Satellite images have revealed the extent of the damage caused by a devastating flood in the eastern Libyan city of Derna. The flood, which occurred on September 10, 2023, resulted in the death of at least 11,300 people. The images show the physical devastation caused by the flood, with entire neighborhoods and port facilities submerged underwater.

The flood was triggered when two dams above Derna burst under the pressure of heavy rainfall. The pent-up water rushed down a mountainside into the city, sweeping blocks of low-lying downtown Derna out to the Mediterranean Sea. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the dams exploded, and the floodwaters reached several meters high.

Satellite images taken from approximately 400 miles above the Earth’s surface show that the storm left a layer of mud and dirt across the city. The images capture the aftermath of the flood, with buildings and infrastructure damaged or destroyed and the landscape transformed into a scene of destruction.

The death toll from the flood is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The impact of the flood on the city’s residents is devastating, with thousands of lives lost and countless others displaced or left homeless. Efforts are being made to provide aid and support to those affected by the disaster.

The flood in Derna highlights the vulnerability of coastal areas to natural disasters and the need for effective infrastructure and disaster management systems. As the city begins its recovery and rebuilding process, it will require assistance and resources from both national and international sources.

The devastating flood in Derna serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. Initiatives to strengthen infrastructure, improve early warning systems, and enhance disaster response capabilities can help mitigate the impact of future events and protect communities from such catastrophic events.