Oil-rich Libya has been mired in conflict for over a decade, leaving its infrastructure unprepared for the destructive storm that tore apart its northeastern regions.
Much of the city is underwater after two dams and four bridges collapsed.
Dams that were in dire need of maintenance failed to withstand the flash floods, exploding from the massive pressure of water and mud.
By some estimates, the wave of water and debris was seven metres high as it crashed through the wadi, or dried river bed, before smashing into Derna and destroying about a quarter of the city of 90,000.
But while that city’s destruction has focused the world on Libya’s tragedy, many more outlying towns and villages like Susa are in distress.
According to a volunteer in the Red Crescent, who asked not to be named, there are already 17 confirmed deaths in Susa, “but this tally is far from being final. There are many more”.
The city went through Ottoman times to Italian occupation and witnessed the Libyan Republic and civil war until it met the worst ever storm, Daniel.
