Current:Home > ContactAP PHOTOS: Satellite images show flood devastation that killed more than 11,000 in Libya -Elevate Capital Network
AP PHOTOS: Satellite images show flood devastation that killed more than 11,000 in Libya
Poinbank Exchange View
Date:2025-04-11 07:24:41
DERNA, Libya (AP) — Images taken by satellite show the physical devastation from a flood that killed at least 11,300 people in the eastern Libyan city of Derna.
Two dams above Derna burst early Monday under the pressure from rain dropped by a storm. The pent-up water swept blocks of low-lying downtown Derna out to the Mediterranean Sea.
Many said they heard loud explosions as the dams exploded. A flood several meters (many feet) high rolled down a mountainside into the city.
Images made about 400 miles above the earth’s surface show that the storm left a brown layer of mud and dirt across the city.
Untold numbers are buried under mud and debris that includes overturned cars and chunks of concrete. The death toll soared to 11,300 as search efforts continue, Marie el-Drese, secretary-general of the Libyan Red Crescent, told The Associated Press by phone Thursday.
She said that an additional 10,100 had been reported missing. Health authorities previously put the death toll in Derna at 5,500.
The satellite pictures show dirt and debris stretching out to sea into Derna’s shallow waters, which appeared visibly brown near the shoreline. Many bodies washed out to sea have come back with the tide, rescue workers say.
The floods have displaced at least 30,000 people in Derna, according to the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration, and several thousand others were forced to leave their homes in other eastern towns, it said.
Bridges and other basic infrastructure have also been wiped out, especially buildings near the Wadi Derna river.
Because of the damage to roads, aid only began trickling into the city on Tuesday evening.
veryGood! (551)
Related
- Your Wedding Guests Will Thank You if You Get Married at These All-Inclusive Resorts
- New Yorkers claimed $1 million prizes from past Powerball, Mega Millions drawings
- Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals Why She and Will Smith Separated & More Bombshells From Her Book Worthy
- Gaza’s limited water supply raises concerns for human health
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Toyota's new Tacoma Truck for 2024: Our review
- Palestinian medics in Gaza struggle to save lives under Israeli siege and bombardment
- India’s Supreme Court refuses to legalize same-sex marriage, says it is up to Parliament
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- How gas utilities used tobacco tactics to avoid gas stove regulations
Ranking
- From bitter rivals to Olympic teammates, how Lebron and Steph Curry became friends
- Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' dances to No. 1 at the box office, eyeing 'Joker' film record
- Swing-county Kentucky voters weigh their choices for governor in a closely watched off-year election
- Police search for suspected extremist accused of killing 2 Swedish soccer fans on a Brussels street
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Soccer match between Belgium and Sweden suspended after deadly shooting in Brussels
- Keith Richards opens up on adapting guitar skills due to arthritis: 'You're always learning'
- Wisconsin Senate poised to give final approval to bill banning gender-affirming surgery
Recommendation
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
FDA faces pressure to act nationwide on red dye in food
Phillies' Bryce Harper would play in 2028 L.A. Olympics if MLB players approved
North Dakota Gov. Burgum calls special session to fix budget bill struck down by court
NCAA President Charlie Baker would be 'shocked' if women's tournament revenue units isn't passed
1 dead, 2 injured by gunshots near a pro-democracy protest in Guatemala
Electrical grids aren’t keeping up with the green energy push. That could risk climate goals
Montana judge keeps in place a ban on enforcement of law restricting drag shows, drag reading events