In early September, Storm Daniel intensified over the Mediterranean, making landfall and causing severe weather conditions in northern Africa. The city of Derna, located in Libya, experienced unprecedented rainfall, resulting in two key dams in the region failing due to the extreme pressure from the excessive water. The collapse of these structures unleashed a torrent of water, leading to catastrophic flooding throughout the city. Local emergency services struggled to cope with the rapid onset of the disaster, as the water inundated homes, swept away entire neighborhoods, and devastated infrastructure critical for survival and recovery. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes of families being displaced and vehicles submerged in turbulent waters.

Rescue operations commenced swiftly, but the overwhelming scale of the destruction hampered efforts. Many residents were reported missing, and the city, already grappling with post-civil war challenges, faced a dire humanitarian crisis as authorities scrambled to provide aid and support to those affected. The international community began to mobilize resources to assist as the number of fatalities rose alarmingly, with reports indicating a toll of over 11,300 dead. The Libyan government and various nonprofits worked together to establish relief efforts, but ongoing conflict in the region posed significant hurdles to effective response measures.