Balanced News: Catastrophic flooding in eastern Libya leaves thousands missing

Devastating floods caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel have swept away entire neighborhoods and wrecked homes in eastern Libya. As many as 2,000 people are feared dead, with thousands missing, according to the country’s leaders. The destruction is particularly severe in Derna, a city with crumbling infrastructure that was formerly held by Islamic extremists. The confirmed death toll stands at 61, but this does not include Derna. The Libyan Presidential Council has declared three areas in the eastern Cyrenaica province a disaster area and has requested international assistance. The U.S. Embassy in Libya is coordinating with the United Nations and Libyan authorities to provide aid.