On Saturday, the American Middle East Institute (AMEI) revealed that the total losses and damages to water and sanitation infrastructure in Derna have exceeded $77 million. In its latest report, the AMEI highlighted that the destruction caused by Storm Daniel is the most severe among the affected municipalities in northeastern Libya.
The report noted that the capacity of the desalination plant in the eastern part of Derna has dropped from 40,000 to 16,000 cubic meters per day due to the damage from the disaster, according to United Nations findings.
Addressing Derna’s fragile water situation requires continuous monitoring and substantial investments to restore and improve water quality and infrastructure. The report stressed that challenges persist in maintaining and operating the repaired water and sanitation networks due to capacity constraints and a lack of sanitation equipment.
Poor management by the Libyan Ministry of Water Resources and a lack of awareness programs by local authorities were identified as key factors contributing to the scale of the destruction in Derna.
Ensuring water security in Derna will require robust institutional management and oversight, as well as capacity building to maintain sustainable access to reliable water infrastructure for local communities, especially in severely affected areas.
The report recommended measures such as enhancing water quality monitoring systems, conducting regular testing, implementing water treatment protocols, and deploying wastewater treatment facilities to prevent waterborne diseases in the aftermath of the disaster.
Derna, a city in northeastern Libya, has faced significant challenges due to its fragile water and sanitation infrastructure. The recent devastation caused by Storm Daniel has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the city’s resilience against future disasters.
Libya’s ongoing political instability and conflict have further complicated efforts to maintain and improve essential services. The country’s water infrastructure has suffered from years of neglect, underinvestment, and mismanagement. The impact of these systemic issues was starkly revealed by the extensive damage from Storm Daniel, which severely compromised the city’s water supply and sanitation facilities.
