The Libyan authorities have called on the international community to help the country deal with the aftermath of a devastating flood that killed thousands of people and destroyed cities, the deputy prime minister of the parliament-appointed government based in Sirte, Salem Al-Zadma, told Sputnik.
"We renew our appeal to the international community to step up efforts and dispatch rescue teams specialized in search and rescue operations, logistical support and assistance, as the scale of the disaster exceeds Libya's capacities," Al-Zadma said.
He warned Libyan and foreign politicians against attempts to exploit the disaster for political gain.
"The solidarity of the Libyan people in the midst of this natural disaster and national tragedy, overcoming all differences, confirms the tolerant nature of the Libyan people and the resilience of the social fabric in the face of challenges. This is the right time to advance national reconciliation efforts and reject all divisions that divide Libyans," the deputy prime minister said.
As of Thursday, the death toll from the floods exceeded 11,000, with some 20,000 people still unaccounted for, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported, citing the Libyan Red Crescent. On Wednesday, the mayor of Derna, Abdulmenam Al-Ghaithi, said the death toll from flooding in the city could reach 18,000 to 20,000.