NEWS
Devastating Flood In Libya Claims Over 150 Lives, Thousands Missing
The Red Cross has issued a warning that the death toll from the unusual floods in eastern Libya is projected to increase significantly, with reports of 10,000 people missing.
Libyan authorities have confirmed a minimum of 150 fatalities resulting from the abrupt flooding that occurred on Sunday afternoon, caused by storm Daniel as it swept across the Mediterranean and impacted Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey.
The storm had a severe impact on the coastal town of Jabal al-Akhdar in eastern Libya.
Additionally, Benghazi was significantly affected, leading to the declaration of a curfew and the closure of schools for several days in the area.
However, Tamer Ramadan from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) indicated that the true toll is expected to be considerably higher than the reported numbers.
He said “Our teams on the ground are still doing their assessment (but) from what we see and from the news coming to us, the death toll is huge,” he told reporters in Geneva via video link from Tunis.
“It might reach to the thousands,” he said in English. “We don’t have a definite number right now.”
Independent sources had told the IFRC the number reported missing was “hitting 10,000 persons so far”.
“The humanitarian needs are much more beyond the abilities of the Libyan Red Crescent and even the abilities of the government.
“That’s why the government in the east has issued an international appeal for support,”
He added that the IFRC was also preparing to launch an emergency appeal for funds towards the response.
Margaret Harris, a spokeswoman for the World Health Organization, characterized the situation in Libya as “a calamity of epic proportions.”
Experts have also noted that storm Daniel, responsible for at least 27 fatalities in Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey over the past few days, is considered “extreme” due to the exceptionally high volume of rainfall within a 24-hour period.
During an appearance on the Libyan network Almasar, Oussama Hamad, the prime minister of the east-based government, stated that in the city of Derna alone, there were “more than 2,000 dead and thousands missing.”
Hamad’s government, which competes with the UN-brokered, internationally recognized transitional administration in Tripoli, has officially declared Derna as a “disaster area.”
Although these figures have not been confirmed by medical sources or emergency services, Tamer Ramadan expressed that it seems “very likely that the number declared by the eastern official could be close to the correct number.”
Tamer Ramadan expressed hope that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) would be able to provide a more accurate assessment of the disaster’s toll later on Tuesday.
Additionally, the UN’s Organization for Migration has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of the flooding on the already vulnerable migrant population in the country.
The newly appointed Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has arrived in the state to formally assume office, expressing optimism about maintaining peace and stability.
Ibas landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, where he was received by top government officials and security personnel.
Upon arrival, he was accorded a guard of honour before proceeding to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
Accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Ibas was conducted around the Government House before heading to the Executive Council Chamber.
There, he addressed Government House officials and service chiefs in a closed-door session.
Speaking briefly with journalists, the retired Vice Admiral, dressed in an all-white native attire, expressed confidence in the state’s stability and promised further engagements with stakeholders.
“I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the Head of Service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing,” Ibas stated. “I assure you that later this evening, I will address you on some issues you want to know.”
Asked about his reception in the state, Ibas said, “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation imposing a six-month suspension on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
The Senate’s decision followed a closed-door session that lasted over an hour, after which Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the resolution.
The Senate based its approval on Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.
READ ALSO: Fubara Breaks Silence On Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers, Calls For Calm
During the plenary, Akpabio read out Tinubu’s official letter, which stated: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the consideration of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.”
The letter outlined the key aspects of the proclamation, including the suspension of the Rivers State government and the appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the state’s Administrator.
The Administrator will operate under direct instructions from the President.
“While I look forward to the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” Tinubu’s letter added.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio committed it to the Senate Committee of the Whole for immediate passage.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) then invoked Order 133, requesting a closed-door session.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that despite a minor incident at a section of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) earlier today, the plant remains operational and continues to produce on-spec refined petroleum products.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Wednesday night by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye.
The NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no cause for concern, as all sections of the recently rehabilitated plant are in full operation, Soneye explained.
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