Libya flooding prompts Church condolences and support
Entire families are lost after catastrophic flooding sweeps through coastal city of Derna, Libya, in North Africa
A general view of the city of Derna is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Libya that broke dams and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns, the destruction appeared greatest in Derna city.
Jamal Alkomaty, Associated Press
Libya flooding prompts Church condolences and support
Entire families are lost after catastrophic flooding sweeps through coastal city of Derna, Libya, in North Africa
A general view of the city of Derna is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Libya that broke dams and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns, the destruction appeared greatest in Derna city.
Jamal Alkomaty, Associated Press
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are extending condolences and prayers and offering support to those impacted by catastrophic flooding in Libya.
The floods killed thousands of people and swept many out to sea in the North African country. Tens of thousands of people lost their homes.
A powerful storm caused flash flooding and burst dams above the Mediterranean coastal city of Derna on Sunday night, Sept. 10.
Search teams have been looking through the wrecked buildings ever since, and the death toll reached at least 5,100 on Wednesday morning, Sept. 13. Authorities are trying to get aid to the city but many roads were washed away.
A general view of the city of Derna is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Libya that broke dams and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns, the destruction appeared greatest in Derna city.
Jamal Alkomaty, Associated Press
One aid worker told the Associated Press that entire families were lost.
The Church’s Middle East/Africa North Area presidency posted the following statement posted on the Church’s Middle East Newsroom:
“On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we express our heartfelt condolences to those affected by the flooding in the northeast of Libya.
“Our hearts are filled with sorrow. We offer prayers to those who are suffering as a result of this natural disaster and pray so comfort and healing can come to broken hearts.
“The Church is exploring the ways to support the affected communities through collaborative efforts with local and international relief partners.”
Elder Anthony D. Perkins
Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella
Elder Roland J. Bäck
Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A general view of the city of Derna is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Libya that broke dams and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns, the destruction appeared greatest in Derna city.
Jamal Alkomaty, Associated Press
A general view of the city of Derna is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 12., 2023. Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Libya that broke dams and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns, the destruction appeared greatest in Derna city.
Jamal Alkomaty, Associated Press
This combination of satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC shows Derna, Libya, on Sept. 2, 2023, before flooding, top, and after on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, bottom. The destruction came to Derna and other parts of eastern Libya on Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2023. As the storm pounded the coast, Derna residents said they heard loud explosions and realized that dams outside the city had collapsed. Flash floods were unleashed down Wadi Derna, a river running from the mountains through the city and into the sea. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
Planet Labs PBC via Associated Press
