Libya is governed by rival authorities - the internationally-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) in the west, and the parliament, called the House of Representatives, in the east.

The House of Representatives has appointed its own parallel government with authority over the eastern region, where these floods have devastated the city of Derna. They are backed by the forces of powerful commander Khalifa Haftar, and control Libya’s east and south.

In the run-up to the storm, the rivals announced separate precautionary measures.

It was reminiscent of the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, when each side made their own plans before a national health department eventually took a more cohesive approach.

But as the utter devastation has become clear, we are seeing some examples of solidarity to help flood victims across political divides, including aid planes flying east from Tripoli.

This isn’t a political breakthrough yet, but it is rare to see the bitter foes working together.