A minister from the eastern Libyan government has issued an order for all journalists to vacate the devastated city of Derna. The minister, Hisham Chkiouat, has accused the media of obstructing the efforts of rescue teams following the recent floods.
In response to the disaster, which occurred when two dams collapsed during heavy rainfall, demonstrators on Monday set fire to the residence of the former mayor. Many residents believe that this catastrophe could have been prevented, as officials have admitted that a contract to repair the dams was left unfinished.
Estimates of the death toll vary significantly, but the World Health Organization has confirmed that more than 3,900 people have lost their lives, with thousands more reported as missing.