As the Mediterranean storm Daniel swept across eastern Libya, it brought devastation to the city of Derna, which was already plagued by a lack of infrastructure and a divided government. The heavy rains caused two dams to collapse, sending a wall of water several meters high through the city, destroying entire neighborhoods and sweeping people out to sea. The aftermath has been marked by chaos and destruction, with over 11,000 people killed and 10,000 more missing.
The Libyan Red Crescent reported that the floods overwhelmed the city, causing massive destruction and displacing thousands of people. The storm also caused widespread flooding in other areas, including the towns of Bayda, Susa, Marj, and Shahatt, with tens of thousands displaced and forced to take shelter in schools and government buildings.
Libyan authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse of the two dams, which were built in the 1970s and had not been maintained despite the allocation of more than 2 million dollars for that purpose in 2012 and 2013. The probe will investigate local authorities in the city as well as previous governments, with General Prosecutor Al-Sediq al-Sour promising that those responsible for any negligence or mistakes will be held accountable.
The investigation is likely to be challenging, given the chaos and disorder that has characterized Libya since the fall of dictator Muammar Gadhafi in 2011. The country has been plagued by rival administrations and powerful militias, which has led to a lack of investment in critical infrastructure.
Al-Sediq al-Sour
The people of Derna are still searching for bodies and survivors, with many believed to have been buried under rubble or swept out into the Mediterranean Sea. The city’s mayor, Abdel-Moneim al-Gaithi, was suspended pending an investigation into the disaster, and an acting mayor has been appointed to oversee the relief efforts.
The disaster has also raised concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases and the movement of explosive ordnance from Libya’s recent conflicts. Aid groups are working to provide assistance to those affected, with many displaced people taking shelter in schools and government buildings.
As the search for survivors continues, the people of Libya are left to mourn the loss of thousands of lives and to navigate the aftermath of the devastating flood. The investigation into the collapse of the dams will undoubtedly be a complex and challenging task, but it is essential to holding those responsible accountable and to ensuring that such a disaster is not repeated in the future.
