The search for people trapped underneath collapsed buildings in Libya is still ongoing, UNICEF has confirmed. 

Last Sunday, Storm Daniel saw the city of Derna in the east of the country flooded, destroying infrastructure and killing thousands. 

The death toll is still rising but yesterday the UN estimated it at around 11,300 people. 

A further 10,000 remain missing and officials still hope some can be found alive. 

“The international rescue teams with the local teams are trying to [find] people under the rubble,” UNICEF Communications and Advocacy Officer Aml Albarghouti told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“There have been reports out that they could save a lot of people who have been under the rubble for [nearly a week and] they have saved some people.” 

People look for survivors in Derna, Libya. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad)

However, with so much of the infrastructure destroyed, there is concern that local are at risk of dying from a lack of essential services - something aid agencies are trying to prevent. 

“Our priority now is to provide life-saving material; shelter, safe drinking water and also medical supplies,” Ms Albarghouti said. 

“One of our concerns that we are now facing is [how to prevent] water borne diseases because there’s been reportedly 55 cases of diarrhoea in children.” 

Following the flooding, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by the “heartbreaking tragedy” and announced the Government would donate €1 million of aid to help with the aftermath. 

The UN Development Programme estimates 884,000 people are in need and humanitarian organisations have requested €66 million to support them in the coming months.

Anyone wishing to donate to UNICEF can do so here.

Main image: People look for survivors in Derna, Libya. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad)