In September, a devastating flash flood struck Derna, an eastern city in Libya, resulting in an official death toll of 4,540 people. This tragic event, triggered by Hurricane Daniel’s intense rainfall, led to the failure of the Bilad and Sidi Bou Mansour dams. The Libyan Public Prosecution Authority, in a recent report, attributes this disaster to negligence, including poor maintenance of the dams and inadequate drainage systems.
The flood, which also affected cities like Benghazi, Al Bayda, Al Marj, and Sousse, was particularly severe in Derna. The city witnessed a massive influx of water from the broken dams, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Both locals and foreigners were among the casualties, with a significant number of deaths resulting from being buried in mudslides or swept out to sea.
Investigations by the Public Prosecution Authority revealed that the dams had shown signs of deterioration, such as cracks and leaks, well before the catastrophe. Contributing factors included a lack of warning systems, failure to clean the upper hatches of the dams, and neglect in regular maintenance. Additionally, the valley’s drainage system was found to be ineffective due to a year-long accumulation of debris without any upkeep.
In response to these findings, authorities have detained 14 individuals, including Derna’s mayor, Abdel Moneim Al Ghaithi, and unnamed officials from the city’s water resources and dams authority. Interpol Red Notices have been issued for two suspects who have left the country.
Experts, like Malak Altaeb from the Centre for Climate and Security and a University of Tripoli alumnus, point out that the conflict in Libya has led to widespread neglect of infrastructure, especially in the eastern regions. This neglect has been detrimental to dam maintenance and management, significantly contributing to the disaster’s severity.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.