Desperate search for loved ones continues in Libya after catastrophic flood

Swathes of the Mediterranean city of Derna obliterated as thousands die

A man stands next to a damaged car, after a powerful storm and heavy rainfall hit Libya on Sunday. Photo: Esam Omran Al-Fetori/Reuters

Ahmed Elumami in Derna

Residents of the devastated Libyan city of Derna desperately searched for missing relatives yesterday and rescue workers appealed for more body bags, after a catastrophic flood that killed thousands of people and swept many out to sea.

Swathes of the Mediterranean city were obliterated by a torrent of water unleashed by a powerful storm that swept down a usually dry riverbed on Sunday night, bursting dams above the city. Multi-storey buildings collapsed with sleeping families inside.