The devastating flood that hit the city of Derna in Libya has exposed decades of neglect and corruption that led to the collapse of the twin dams, which in turn ravaged the city, killing over 11,000 people and leaving thousands more missing. The flood has also highlighted the state of chaos and conflict that has gripped the country since the fall of Muammar Gadhafi in 2011.
Experts have warned about the structural integrity of the twin dams for years, with concerns dating back to 1986 when the dams suffered major damage during a wild storm. However, despite a study commissioned by the Libyan government in 2007 that revealed cracks and fissures in the dam structures, little was done to address the issue. Turkish firm Arsel Construction Company was contracted to maintain the dams and build a third one, but the company’s website claims the work was completed in 2012, while satellite photos suggest no third dam was built.
The flood has also underscored the country’s deep-seated corruption, with a state-run audit agency blaming the Ministry of Works and Natural Resources for failing to cancel the contract and give it to a company that would do the work. The agency’s report revealed that $2 million was set aside to maintain the twin dams in 2012 and 2013, but the funds were never used.
As the country struggles to come to terms with the unprecedented disaster, protesters have taken to the streets, demanding an investigation into the cause of the flood and holding those responsible accountable. The Libyan Red Crescent has reported that over 10,000 people are still missing, and the country’s weak public institutions, internal conflict, and deep instability have allowed corruption to thrive, with few to no checks on public sector abuse.
Muammar Gadhafi
An online petition signed by hundreds of people, including Libyan rights groups and NGOs, has called for an independent international committee to investigate the disaster and hold those responsible accountable. However, the opposing governments have both deployed humanitarian teams to the affected areas, but poor coordination, difficulty getting aid to the hardest-hit areas, and the destruction of Derna’s infrastructure have hampered their efforts.
As the city begins to rebuild, the international community has pledged aid, with the White House announcing an additional $11 million in support. The International Organisation for Migration has reported that over 40,000 people have been displaced across north-east Libya, and residents from nearby cities have begun to offer temporary shelter to those affected. Volunteers are also working tirelessly to search for survivors buried beneath the rubble.
The devastating flood has exposed the fragility of Libya’s institutions and the dire need for accountability and transparency. As the country struggles to rebuild and recover, it is imperative that those responsible for the disaster are held accountable, and that the country begins to address the entrenched corruption and neglect that has led to this catastrophe.
