Tuesday, July 15, 2025
LibyaReview
  • Home
  • Libya
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Libya
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
No Result
View All Result
LibyaReview
No Result
View All Result
Home Libya

HRW Urges Urgent Inquiry into Deadly Flooding in Libya

December 6, 2023
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an urgent, and independent inquiry into the mismanagement of catastrophic flooding in eastern Libya in September.

The devastating floods, resulting from the collapse of two dams, led to widespread destruction, thousands of casualties, and displacement of tens of thousands.

HRW said that conflicting evacuation orders and a curfew trapped residents in the coastal city of Derna, as torrents of water surged through the area, despite receiving flood warnings days in advance.

The UN reported at least 4,352 fatalities, 43,000 displacements, and 8,000 missing. While Libya’s authorities initiated an investigation and vowed to provide compensation, questions linger about the adequacy of their response.

Human Rights Watch stressed the need for an independent international investigation, citing concerns about the maintenance of ageing infrastructure, particularly the collapsed dams.

The flooding severely impacted critical infrastructure, hospitals, and schools in Derna, leaving a lasting impact on the affected communities. Experts attribute the exacerbated harm to political instability, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and ineffective early warning systems.

Libyan engineers had previously warned about vulnerabilities in the dams, but concerns were not adequately addressed. A 2022 hydrology study had classified the area as “high risk,” emphasizing the urgent need for maintenance and awareness campaigns. The World Meteorological Organization had issued warnings 72 hours before the storm, emphasizing preventive measures.

The aftermath saw dismissals of local authorities, protests, and detentions. The general prosecutor opened a criminal investigation into officials linked to the dams’ management, but no findings have been disclosed.

Political divisions between the two rival governments further complicated reconstruction, and compensation efforts.

As Libya faces challenges exacerbated by climate change, the call for an independent inquiry seeks accountability, lessons for disaster management, and justice for the victims.

Tags: DernaFloodHuman Rightslibya
Next Post

GCC Calls for Withdrawal of Foreign Forces & Mercenaries from Libya

POPULAR CATEGORIES

  • Home
  • Libya
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion

MUST READ

Libya Refuses to Hand Over Security Official to ICC

Ankara’s Ties with Haftar’s Administration Strengthen

Libya Warns UN of Greek Violations in Contested Sea Zone

Libya & China Discuss Housing & Energy Cooperation

IOM: 415 Migrants Intercepted & Returned to Libya

Libya & UK Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Tripoli Meeting

EDITOR PICKS

Libya Tops Africa in Oil Reserves with 48.36 Billion Barrels

Libya & Greece Reaffirm Commitment to Closer Ties

UK Reaffirms Support for Libya’s Electoral Process

Libya’s Benghazi Launches Platform to Report E-Payment Abuse

Greek FM Arrives in Libyan Capital Tripoli

Libya Seeks Justice for Nationals in Italian Prisons

  • Home
  • Libya
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion

© 2024 LR

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Libya
  • Economy
  • Sport
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion

© 2024 LR