Rawassei Abd Al Jalil, journalist.
Photos: Eman Ben Amer
In the wake of the catastrophic Daniel Storm that ravaged Derna, one woman’s story of loss, struggle, and resilience has captured the hearts of many. Sabrina Alfutirie, a native of Derna, saw her life irrevocably changed as the storm’s fury claimed her home and family. Amidst the rubble and the ruins, Sabrina’s journey to reestablish her life stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
The Storm’s Unforgiving Wrath
On a fateful night, the Daniel Storm hit Derna, Sabrina was at home with her husband, two children, and elderly mother. The storm, with its unprecedented intensity, unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds, causing widespread destruction. Sabrina’s home, like many others in the coastal city, was not built to withstand such a force of nature. Within hours, the rising waters and violent winds tore through their home, leaving Sabrina as the sole survivor amidst the wreckage.
Confronting Unimaginable Loss
In the immediate aftermath, Sabrina was found wandering the debris-strewn streets, her eyes reflecting the shock and devastation she had endured. Friends and neighbours rallied around her, providing what little comfort they could. The loss of her entire family left a gaping void in her life, one that words could scarcely describe. For Sabrina, each day became a battle against overwhelming grief and the stark reality of her new existence.
Struggling to Rebuild
With her home reduced to ruins and her family gone, Sabrina faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life from scratch. The immediate challenge was finding shelter. Aid organizations provided temporary housing, but the conditions were far from ideal. Sabrina, once a homemaker now had to navigate the complexities of securing necessities like food and clothing.
Her first step towards rebuilding was finding a stable source of income. With limited options in the devastated city, Sabrina took on multiple odd jobs, from cleaning to sewing, anything that could bring in some money. Her resilience was evident as she worked tirelessly, determined to carve out a new path for herself.
The Power of the Community
Derna’s community, despite being deeply affected by the storm, showed remarkable solidarity. Neighbors, local organizations and international aid groups extended their support to Sabrina. Donations poured in, helping her secure essential items and start anew.
The community’s support provided Sabrina with the strength to continue her journey.
Finding New Purpose
Through the adversity, Sabrina discovered a newfound purpose. She began volunteering with local relief efforts, helping other families who had suffered similar losses. Her firsthand experience and compassionate nature made her an invaluable asset to the relief teams. Sabrina’s story of survival and resilience inspired many, turning her into a beacon of hope for others.
Looking Ahead
Today, Sabrina Alfutirie is a symbol of strength and perseverance. While the scars of her loss remain, she has managed to find a semblance of peace and stability. She continues to work tirelessly, both to support herself and to aid in the broader recovery efforts of Derna. Her journey from devastation to resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome even the most harrowing of circumstances.
In a world where natural disasters seem to strike with increasing frequency, Sabrina’s story highlights the importance of community, compassion, and the indomitable will to rebuild. As Derna slowly recovers, Sabrina Alfutirie’s journey stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering hope that can arise from the darkest of times.
