Prime Minister of the Libyan Parliament-designated government, Osama Hammad stated that funding for reconstruction, maintenance, and compensation for areas affected by floods is available and ongoing.
This came during a meeting with mayors, elders, and dignitaries from the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region. Hammad mentioned that his government has “identified key foreign companies capable of executing reconstruction projects, following the Derna Reconstruction Conference held in early November.”
The meeting addressed the latest service developments, ongoing projects in the region, and the efforts of ministries to address the repercussions of the floods, including the activities of the damage assessment committee.
Participants emphasised the necessity of rebuilding all cities and areas affected by storm Daniel, ensuring the provision of needs, and addressing existing challenges.
Notably, 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 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.