The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has issued a critical warning about a rapidly escalating public health crisis in flood-affected parts of Libya, with particular concern for the residents of Derna.

The IRC said recent floods have severely contaminated water sources with sewage, rendering them unsafe for consumption and exposing communities to grave health risks.

Derna, the committee said, has already recorded at least 55 children who have become sick due to contaminated water.

A powerful storm dubbed Daniel hit war-torn Libya on September 10 after earlier lashing Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey.

Two dams broke in the mountains above the port of Derna, washing away large city areas of around 100,000 people.

IRC said Derna had recorded at least 55 children who have become sick due to contaminated water.

“Contaminated water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, putting vulnerable populations, especially women and children, at increased risk. The situation in Derna and other flood-affected areas of Libya is dire,’’ Elie Abouaoan, IRC Libya country director, stated.

Mr Abouaoan stressed that access to clean water was a basic human right.

Meanwhile, Libyan activists scattered in the areas worst hit by the disaster called for opening new roads into the affected areas to facilitate aid and ensure assistance.

The destruction of roads and bridges by the floods has hampered the ability of aid agencies to enter affected cities, including Derna, Sousse, Shahat, Al Marj, Al Bayada and other rural communities.

Activists said on WhatsApp that the municipal council of Al Bayada had begun repairing some sandy roads leading to remote areas affected by the floods.

They also said the council had arranged to send supplies by air with the help of an Egyptian helicopter. 

(dpa/NAN)