Derna Water Crisis: Libya Launches Vaccination Drive After Floods Spark Disease Outbreak
Deadly Floods Spark Waterborne Disease Surge
Libya is racing against time to tackle a deadly health threat in flood-devastated Derna. After catastrophic flooding last week, at least 150 residents have fallen ill with severe diarrhoea. The culprit? Contaminated drinking water following the collapse of two dams triggered by Storm Daniel.
The head of Libya’s centre for combating diseases sounded the alarm on this surge of waterborne infections. Authorities are now urging locals to avoid tap water and stick strictly to bottled water deliveries coming into the city as part of emergency aid.
Vaccination Blitz Targets Vulnerable Groups
To stop the outbreak spiralling, Libya’s Health Minister Othman Abduljaleel announced a vaccination campaign kicking off this Sunday. The drive focuses on healthcare workers, children, and recovery teams battling the aftermath.
“There are three [vaccines] for children aged one to 15 years,” Abduljaleel explained.
Tragedy Unfolds as Thousands Still Missing
Derna bore the brunt of the disaster, with over 11,000 people confirmed dead after dam failures unleashed a violent wall of water through the city and out to sea. Around 10,000 of Derna’s 90,000 residents remain unaccounted for — a grim number that may rise.
Investigation Underway Amid Political Chaos
Officials have launched a probe into the dam collapse, but political instability poses serious hurdles. Libya has been fractured since the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of dictator Moammar Gadhafi, with rival governments and militias vying for control.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue relentless search operations. Libya’s western government has pledged $412 million (£353 million) for rebuilding Derna and neighbouring flood-hit towns, but the nation’s divided state makes recovery a daunting challenge.
