President Bola Tinubu expressed his deep condolences to Libya, which has been hard-hit by the aftermath of Mediterranean storm Daniel. In a statement titled ‘President Tinubu condoles with Libya over Storm Daniel and resulting floods,’ the president pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support.
Devastating floods post-storm have resulted in a tragic loss of over 5,300 lives in Derna, the most severely impacted city, displacing over 34,000 residents. Experts highlight that the magnitude of the catastrophe is due not only to the storm’s intensity but also to Libya’s vulnerable state, stemming from over ten years of internal conflict. This conflict has weakened crucial infrastructure, like the two dams in Derna that failed post-storm, whose upkeep has since come under scrutiny.
Although external aid from nations like Turkey, Egypt, and Italy only reached Derna two days after the tragedy, more international aid groups are set to arrive soon.
Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, President Tinubu labeled the event a “monumental disaster.” He wished the injured a swift recovery and emphasized Nigeria’s steadfast solidarity with Libya during these challenging times, noting the tragedy as a shared sorrow that brings the two nations closer together.
