Death toll soars to 11,300 from flooding in Libyan coastal city of Derna

A volunteer takes a break on the rubble of a building in a flash flood-damaged area in Derna on September 14, 2023. The Libyan Red Crescent said Thursday that more than 11,000 were killed in the flood and another 10,000 were still missing. (Abdullah Doma/AFP via Getty Images)

DERNA, Libya — The death toll in Libya's coastal city of Derna has soared to 11,300 as search efforts continue following a massive flood fed by the breaching of two dams in heavy rains, the Libyan Red Crescent said Thursday

Marie el-Drese, secretary-general of aid group, told The Associated Press by phone that a further 10,100 are reported missing in the Mediterranean city. Health authorities previously had put the death toll in Derna at 5,500.