Libya's Derna residents grapple with mental health after devastating floods

In the wake of a devastating flood that struck Derna in eastern Libya nearly a month ago, survivors are confronting profound psychological challenges as they mourn the loss of loved ones and attempt to cope with the aftermath of the catastrophe.

The disaster unfolded when hurricane-strength Storm Daniel unleashed extreme rainfall, causing two upstream dams to breach on September 10. The resulting deluge, often compared to a tsunami, tore through the heart of Derna, obliterating entire neighborhoods and dividing the port city. Tragically, many residents were swept into the Mediterranean, meeting a tragic end.

“Derna, today, is broken in two. It’s a reflection of what its inhabitants feel,” expressed Mayssam Hasedi, who tragically lost over 20 relatives in the flash floods.

According to local authorities, the death toll stands at over 4,000 people, with thousands more missing in eastern Libya.

After days of holding onto hope for survivors, the people of Derna are now confronted with the grim reality of recovering lifeless bodies at sea. Michel-Olivier Lacharite, head of emergencies at Doctors Without Borders, lamented, “Almost everyone in the city is in mourning and suffering. Some children even refuse to drink water due to their fear of drowning.”

The mental anguish permeates the community, with patients experiencing flashbacks and insomnia during the hours when the deadly wave struck the city.

Last month’s flood is the latest calamity to afflict the oil-rich North African nation, which has grappled with war and instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that led to the downfall of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Aid organizations emphasize that the psychological impact will also be long-lasting among the rescuers, particularly divers who retrieved hundreds of lifeless bodies.

The World Health Organization has highlighted the emerging mental health needs of the survivors, stating that the initial shock of the disaster will have long-term repercussions. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) echoed these concerns, pointing out the immense psychological toll on those affected, particularly in Derna.

To address these needs, the IRC has deployed medical teams, including mental health professionals, to the region and is collaborating with Libya’s health ministry to establish a mental health unit.

Children, who have been traumatized by displacement and the loss of their homes and loved ones, are especially vulnerable. UNICEF reports instances of suicides, withdrawal, lack of sleep, and bedwetting among children, especially in shelters. Dozens of minors have become wards of the state after losing their families in the flood.

Over 42,000 people remain displaced, and as authorities focus on rebuilding the physical infrastructure of Derna, experts emphasize the importance of rebuilding the spirit and mental well-being of the city’s shattered community.

International Medical Corps has entered agreements with Libyan authorities to provide medical follow-up and train medical personnel to offer psychological support to Derna’s residents. However, many of the city’s medical facilities have been rendered unusable, leaving traumatized residents with limited access to psychological support services.