faced with the health threat, the country must bury its dead as quickly as possible

The more the days pass, the more the extent of the catastrophe is revealed in Libya. More than 800,000 people were affected by the floods which ravaged the east of the country, and more particularly the town of Derna. A dilemma now presents itself to the Libyan authorities: should we let the bodies decompose to identify them or should we bury them as quickly as possible in order to avoid the spread of epidemics that stagnant water encourages?

>> Floods in Libya: the aid needs are “of a fairly incredible scale”, testifies the MSF coordinator on site

There is currently fear in this town of Derna, now protected, surrounded by the army, to create a form of health bubble. The figures vary depending on the source, but it is very likely that these floods killed more than 10,000 people in this coastal city in the east of the country. Many neighborhoods were buried, including the city center. Food aid must also be provided to the eastern part of the city which was not affected but which is now very difficult to access.

The political situation complicates operations

Since the death of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has experienced numerous clashes between clans. The city of Derna is under the authority of General Haftar who controls the eastern part of the country. But the authorities in Tripoli in the west also want to have a say in relief operations.

The political situation has repercussions on international aid: French Civil Security, which will set up a field hospital in Derna, began arriving in Libya on Tuesday, September 12 in the evening. But 50 men and women, rescuers and firefighters, are still stuck 70 kilometers from Derna. A final plane which was to take off from France on Thursday September 14 did not receive the green light from the Libyan authorities. A complex and yet necessary device in a city in chaos.