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.
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 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
