High-resolution satellite images of the port city of Derna after massive floods, Libya

The satellite images below show the aftermath of severe floods that hit the northeastern Libyan town of Derna after the landfall of Medicane “Marquesa” — also known as Storm Danial — on September 10, 2023.

Unprecedented rainfall, amassing to several months’ worth in only 24 hours, led to the collapse of two dams, channeling vast water torrents through Derna, a city of 90 000. The extent of the damage is still under review, but the death count has distressingly climbed to the thousands.

Late Tuesday afternoon, September 12, local officials reported the death toll across the region had reached 5 300. However, thousands more are missing.

According to Libyan Media, the country’s Minister of Health said he expects the number of victims to rise to 10 000 and the missing to reach about 100 000.

Here’s the first post-event high-resolution satellite image of the port city of Derna.

Libya's 9/11. pic.twitter.com/HirE59i1Bn

— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 12, 2023

Pre/post event situation in the city of Derna after the catastrophic consequences of storm Daniel (7 to 12 of September 2023).

"Thousands of people were killed and at least 10,000 were missing in Libya", according to @Reuters #Copernicus #Sentinel2 🛰️ #FloodsDerna pic.twitter.com/IfE4Il705N

— Iban Ameztoy (@i_ameztoy) September 13, 2023

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Over 5 300 dead, thousands missing as Medicane “Marquesa” (Daniel) causes catastrophic flooding in Libya

Featured image credit: Nahel Belgherze via Planet Labs, X. Edit: The Watchers