Destructive flooding in northeastern Libya, caused by torrential rains from a rare Mediterranean hurricane Sept. 10 and the related collapse of two dams outside the coastal city of Derna, killed more than 11,000 people, according to estimates. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies issued an emergency appeal Sept. 13 for more funds and assistance to scale up relief efforts.

“This disaster was violent and brutal,” said Yann Fridez, head of the Federation's Libya delegation, in a statement. “A wave 7 meters high wiped out buildings and washed infrastructure into the sea. Now family members are missing, dead bodies are washing back up on shore, and homes are destroyed. The city faces immense emotional trauma.”