Over 8,000 dead in Morocco earthquake, Libya floods

Adam Lucente

Sep 13, 2023

Overturned cars lay among other debris caused by flash floods in Derna, eastern Libya, on Sept. 11, 2023. — AFP via Getty Images

The death tolls for the earthquake in Morocco and the flooding in Libya are both continuing to rise this week, surpassing 8,000 dead as the Libyan city of Derna faces unprecedented devastation and is pleading for international help.

At least 5,100 people have been recorded dead in the city of Derna, in addition to around 100 others elsewhere eastern Libya, and another 7,000 people are injured, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday. Up to 10,000 people are also missing, according to various reports.

The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration reported on Wednesday that 30,000 people have been displaced in Derna, in addition to thousands elsewhere.

Assessing the human toll of the flooding in Libya is difficult due to the rival administrations in the east and the capital Tripoli and communications being hindered by the storm. Around 50% of Libya also lacks internet access, according to the data analysis firm DataReportal.