Condolences extended to Libya over deadly storm

President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence on Tuesday to Mohamed Menfi, head of Libya's Presidential Council, over a deadly storm in the North African country.

In his message, Xi said that upon learning of the storm, which has caused heavy casualties and property losses in Libya, he would like to express deep condolences over the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured people on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

Xi also voiced confidence that the Libyan people will surely overcome the difficulties together and defeat the disaster.

Xi's message came as Mediterranean storm Daniel on Sunday night caused havoc and flash flooding in many towns in eastern Libya.

Menfi called for international assistance on Monday to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, adding that Derna, Al-Bayda and Shahhat were among the cities hit hard.

The worst destruction was in Derna, where heavy rainfall and catastrophic flooding broke dams and washed away entire neighborhoods, authorities said.

At least 2,300 people in Derna were killed and 10,000 were reported missing as rescue teams struggled to retrieve many more bodies from the horrific deluge, officials said on Tuesday.

Agencies contributed to this story.