Devastating Storm Daniel Causes Destruction and Death in Libya, UN Calls for Ceasefire to Facilitate Relief Efforts

Libya has been struck by a devastating storm, with Mediterranean storm Daniel causing floods that have broken dams and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns in the east of the North African nation. The destruction appears to have been most severe in Derna, a city formerly held by Islamic extremists in the chaos that has gripped Libya for more than a decade and left it with crumbling and inadequate infrastructure.

Libya remains divided between two rival administrations, one in the east and one in the west, each backed by militias and foreign governments. The confirmed death toll from the weekend flooding stood at 61 as of late Monday, according to health authorities. However, the tally did not include Derna, which had become inaccessible due to the destruction caused by the storm.

The flooding has caused widespread destruction in the affected areas, with homes and businesses being wrecked and entire neighborhoods being swept away. The Libyan government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, and has called for international assistance to help with the relief efforts.

The United Nations has also expressed its concern over the situation, and has urged all parties to ensure that the relief efforts are conducted in a safe and orderly manner. The UN has also called for an immediate ceasefire in the affected areas, in order to allow for the safe delivery of aid.