Red Cross warns of dangers posed by unexploded ordnances after floods in Libya’s Derna

By Yaqout Dandashi

ISTANBUL (AA) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by the unexploded ordnances in the flood-hit eastern Libyan city of Derna.

"Unexploded ordnances and abandoned munition stores could also pose an additional challenge to residents, emergency responders, and authorities," an ICRC statement said.

ICRC added that its teams are "evaluating the risk posed by" these unexploded ordnances in Derna city "to prevent further death and injury."

Libya has witnessed several waves of conflict since 2011, leaving numerous cities with unexploded ordnance and mines.

At least 6,000 people have been killed and thousands remain missing due to the weekend floods in eastern Libya, according to officials.

Torrential rains swept through several regions, most notably the cities of Derna, Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Al-Marj, and Soussa.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar