Threat of Epidemic Looms in Libya Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Published on September 16, 2023, by Time Canvas 360

As Libya grapples with the aftermath of a deadly deluge that has claimed at least 11,000 lives, a new threat is emerging on the horizon. Amidst a shortage of food, shelter, and medicines for the people, experts are now warning that the looming threat of an epidemic is becoming a grave concern.

With hopes of finding more survivors diminishing, the risk of outbreaks of diseases like cholera and other waterborne illnesses is on the rise. International organizations have issued warnings against mass burials, especially near water bodies, as this practice poses a significant health risk.

According to a United Nations report, at least a thousand people have already been buried in this manner. Efforts are now underway to contain the spread of potential infections, especially in the hardest-hit city of Dunham.

In Dunham, residents are struggling to cope with the grim reality of thousands of corpses washing up on shores or decaying under rubble. Hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure have been ravaged, leaving thousands in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including food and first aid.

The situation is dire, with residents in Dunham now appealing for more body bags. They are urging authorities to transform hospitals into makeshift morgues. The World Health Organization has called for better-managed burials to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.

While international aid and support are reaching the region, the pace has been slow, and it is insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs. Communities in eastern Libya find themselves surrounded by death and destruction, with bodies littering the streets, washing ashore, and buried under collapsed buildings and debris.

The United Nations Aid Chief has emphasized that Libya urgently requires primary healthcare measures to prevent a cholera outbreak. This crisis comes in the wake of Storm Daniel, which struck northern Libya on September 9th. Tragically, two dams in Turner collapsed, resulting in a torrent of water that swept away thousands and destroyed numerous homes.

The United Nations has appealed for more than $71 million in aid. Twelve countries, including Egypt, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar, have sent aid to the region. However, the enormity of the disaster indicates that the crisis in Libya is far from over.

© 2023 Time Canvas 360. All rights reserved.