Libya has experienced severe storms and floods, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and thousands missing due to floods in eastern coastal cities. The city of Derna was the site of the disaster, which occurred due to a dam breach.

The coastal city of Derna has been declared a disaster zone, and the health minister, Osman Abdul Jalil, announced the death toll. Seven other people were also reported killed in Susa, northeastern Libya. The head of Libya’s Red Crescent aid group was unable to contact his people in the city.

Local media reports indicate dozens of people are missing due to the floods. Thousands of homes and properties have been destroyed in several cities in eastern Libya, and electricity and communication services have been disrupted in Derna.

Prime Minister Osama Hamad declared three days of mourning and declared a state of emergency on Saturday. Schools were closed as a precaution ahead of the storm.