Libya floods: Collapsed bridges and wrecked homes seen in before and after satellite photos

Storm Daniel pounded parts of the North African coast on Sunday night, causing huge rainfall that proved too much for the politically-divided country's crumbling infrastructure.

Friday 15 September 2023 18:00, UK

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What caused the deadly floods in Libya?
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Collapsed bridges, submerged roads and the remains of homes washed away by catastrophic flooding in Libya can be seen in dramatic satellite photos.

More than 5,000 bodies have been recovered after the events of the last few days - the remains of at least 2,000 people have been found in the city of Derna alone.

At least 30,000 people have been displaced after Tuesday's disaster, caused by the impact of Storm Daniel on the region two days earlier.

Images taken from space by satellite company Maxar Technologies show the devastation wrought by the torrents of water that have poured through the city.

City mayor Abdulmenam Al-Ghaithi has warned the number of deaths could be as high as 20,000.

Libyan officials appealed for international help on Monday, warning the country doesn't have the necessary experience to deal with a disaster of this scale.

More satellite pictures of Derna show how the collapse of a dam along the Wadi Derna river has changed the area forever.

Paste BN will air a special programme - Libya floods: The city swept away - at midday on Saturday.

People walk between the debris in Derna
Image: People walk between the debris in Derna
The city of Derna has been transformed by the disaster. Pic: AP
Image: The city of Derna has been transformed by the disaster. Pic: AP
The flooding has washed away much of Derna's infrastructure. Pic: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Image: The flooding has washed away much of Derna's infrastructure. Pic: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
People have been forced to walk through debris after the storms and heavy rainfall
Image: People have been forced to walk through debris after the storms and heavy rainfall
Rescue efforts are ongoing in many parts of Derna. Pic: Libyan Red Crescent Ajdabiya/Reuters
Image: Rescue efforts are ongoing in many parts of Derna. Pic: Libyan Red Crescent Ajdabiya/Reuters
The flooding left cars stacked on top of each other. Pic: Libyan government via AP
Image: The flooding left cars stacked on top of each other. Pic: Libyan government via AP
An overturned car sits within the devastation left behind in Derna. Pic: Esam Omran Al-Fetori/Reuters
Image: An overturned car sits within the devastation left behind in Derna. Pic: Esam Omran Al-Fetori/Reuters

Read more:
What caused flooding in Libya?
More than 5,300 feared dead
Libya asks for international help

Officials fear the number of people who have died will rise further
Image: Officials fear the number of people who have died will rise further
Cars and other vehicles were carried through Derna by the powerful and extreme conditions. Pic: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Image: Cars and other vehicles were carried through Derna by the powerful and extreme conditions. Pic: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Many buildings were swept away in Derna. Pic: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Image: Many buildings were swept away in Derna. Pic: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori

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As many as 2,000 people may have died in Derna

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