UN Says Death Toll At Least 11,300 In Libya’s Flood-Hit Derna

The United Nations says the death toll from devastating floods that hit the Libyan city of Derna earlier this week is at least 11,300.

The figures were given in a report released Sunday, However, Libyan Red Crescent, which was cited in the report, later denied the toll, saying it was shocked to see its name mixed up with these figures.

Estimates of the number of lives lost vary widely and the most recent official death toll, from the health minister of the eastern-based administration, Othman Abdeljalil, is that 3,166 people were killed.

But according to a United Nations report released on Sunday, the toll from Derna alone has risen to 11,300.

Citing the Libyan Red Crescent, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs added that another 10,100 people were still missing in the devastated city.

the OCHA report said the figures were expected to rise in the coming days and weeks as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors,”

However, the Libyan Red Crescent later on Sunday denied that last week’s flooding resulted in 11,300 deaths after the UN offered that toll and cited the rescue group.

Libyan Red Crescent spokesman Tawfik Shoukri told News correspondents that they were shocked to see their name mixed up with these figures, saying they were adding to the confusion and distress of the families of the missing.

Aid is now arriving in the North African country as the world mobilises to help emergency services cope with the aftermath of the deadly flood.

At least 40,000 people have been displaced across northeastern Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration, which cautioned says the actual number is likely higher given the difficulty accessing worst-affected areas.