Parliament-appointed government in Libya sacks all members of Derna municipal council after floods

By Muetaz Wannes

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - The Libyan House of Representatives-appointed government has dismissed all members of the municipal council of the Derna city, where many people were killed in recent floods.

The decision was taken late Monday by Osama Hamad, the head of Libya's eastern government, as demonstrations in Derna demanded accountability after floods wreaked havoc in the city.

Derna was hardest hit by deadly flooding caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel on Sept. 10, causing the city’s dams to burst, washing away homes and people.

According to the UN Humanitarian Office (OCHA), at least 3,958 people have died across Libya due to flooding, revising its previous death toll of 11,300.

On Saturday, Hamad said that 3,252 victims had been laid to rest so far.

More than 40,000 people have been displaced across Libya’s northeastern areas by the deadly floods, the UN office said.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat