Vatican - Catastrophic flooding in Libya, triggered by multiple dam failures during heavy rainfall, resulted in what officials estimated to be up to 10,000 deaths in the aftermath of the deluge.

Meanwhile, the Vatican, in a telegram, conveyed that Pope Francis was "deeply saddened" by this national tragedy. He extended his prayers to the country as it grapples with the disaster and endeavors to rescue those still affected by it.

The Libyan News Agency, under state control, reported that "dangerous weather conditions and torrential rains" persisted after widespread flooding inundated the eastern region of the country.

This catastrophe followed the path of Cyclone Daniel, a storm originating in the Mediterranean Sea, which moved over the eastern regions of North Africa. Authorities reported the breach of several dams, leading to the inundation of nearby towns, including the coastal city of Derna, which had reportedly confirmed over 2,000 deaths by Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, a Vatican telegram was sent to Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, the apostolic nuncio to Libya, where the Holy See expressed that Pope Francis was "deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the flooding in the eastern part of Libya."

The telegram, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, conveyed that the Pope "sends the assurance of his prayers for the souls of the deceased and all who mourn."

The message continued, stating, "His Holiness also expresses heartfelt spiritual closeness to the injured, to those who fear for their missing loved ones, and to the emergency personnel providing rescue and relief assistance."

"Upon all affected by this tragedy, Pope Francis willingly invokes the divine blessings of consolation, strength, and perseverance."

By Tuesday morning, a global relief effort was underway. Georgette Gagnon, the assistant secretary-general, resident, and humanitarian coordinator for the United Nations' relief mission in Libya, announced on Twitter that she had directed the emergency response team to prepare to assist local authorities and partners in eastern Libya.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies also reported on Facebook that responders were tirelessly working to provide aid and support to those affected by the storm.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State, on Monday, stated that the government was "coordinating with U.N. partners and Libyan authorities on how we can assist the ongoing relief efforts."

This disaster occurred shortly after a devastating earthquake struck the neighboring country of Morocco, claiming nearly 3,000 lives by Tuesday. Relief workers were engaged in efforts to rescue trapped victims and provide essential assistance to the affected population.