Storm Danielle, a Category 2 hurricane, wreaked havoc across Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria before making its way to northern and eastern Libya. The relentless rains and powerful winds resulted in destroyed homes, flooded streets, hazardous mudslides, and a tragic loss of over 150 lives, with many still missing.
Authorities in Libya declared a state of emergency and closed schools and public institutions. The storm inflicted severe damage on infrastructure in several cities, including Benghazi, Susah, Al-Bayda, Marj, and Derna. Four oil ports in Libya were also shut down for three days.
Heart-wrenching images circulating on social media showed stranded motorists atop their submerged vehicles, pleading for help amid the deluge.
In the past few hours, Storm Danielle also reached Egypt, with videos emerging from Alexandria and Marsa Matruh showing dust clouds engulfing the streets. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority issued a warning about the extreme weather conditions expected in the coming days, with the peak expected on Thursday. Alexandria has raised its preparedness levels and declared a state of emergency as a precaution ahead of the anticipated intensification of the storm.
Warnings related to sea conditions and high waves have also been issued due to the strong winds and significant wave height.
Storm Danielle serves as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change on weather events. Warmer sea surface temperatures are intensifying the formation of hurricanes, while rising global temperatures are leading to more erratic and severe weather patterns worldwide.
Recent studies by climate organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have pointed to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, due to climate change. This phenomenon is evident in the Mediterranean region, where hurricanes were once rare but are now becoming more common.
The damage caused by Storm Danielle underscores the urgent need for global action to combat climate change. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, investing in resilient infrastructure, and strengthening disaster preparedness are vital steps to protect our communities from the growing threats of extreme weather events fueled by a changing climate.
Our hearts go out to the affected communities, and we stand in solidarity with them during these challenging times. Let us use this as an opportunity to redouble our efforts to address the climate crisis and protect our planet for future generations. 🌍🌪️ #ClimateAction #StormDanielle #ClimateChangeAwareness
