By SAMY MAGDY and YOUSEF MOURAD
DERNA, Libya — Libyan authorities are launching a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of two dams that resulted in a devastating flood in a coastal city. As search and rescue teams continue to search for bodies nearly a week after the deluge, the death toll has risen to over 11,000.
The investigation is expected to face significant challenges in Libya, a country that has been plagued by political turmoil since the ousting of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. With rival administrations and powerful militias vying for control, crucial infrastructure, including dams, has been neglected, leaving communities vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
The deadly flood in Derna was triggered by heavy rainfall from Mediterranean storm Daniel. The rushing floodwaters overwhelmed the two dams, causing massive destruction and loss of life. The Libyan Red Crescent has reported over 10,000 people missing, with searchers still combing through debris and mud in search of bodies and potential survivors. So far, the Red Crescent has confirmed 11,300 deaths.
Claire Nicolet, head of the emergencies department of Doctors Without Borders aid group, stated that numerous bodies were discovered on Friday, and the search is ongoing. However, the efforts to recover and bury the bodies are challenging. Aid organizations are also concerned about the spread of waterborne diseases and the potential for unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts to be displaced.
Haider al-Saeih, head of Libya’s center for combating diseases, revealed that at least 150 people have suffered from diarrhea after consuming contaminated water in Derna. The urgent need for aid includes the provision of clean bottled water to prevent further health risks.
The collapse of the dams, which were constructed in the 1970s, and the allocation of maintenance funds will be scrutinized in the investigation led by Libya’s General Prosecutor. The inquiry will also examine the actions of local authorities and previous governments. The prosecutor assured the public that those responsible for any mistakes or negligence will face legal consequences.
However, Jalel Harchaoui, an expert on Libya, highlighted the challenges of the investigation due to the lack of accountability and the deep political divide that persists within the country. Libya is essentially divided between General Khalifa Hifter’s control in eastern Libya and the rival government in Tripoli. The investigation could potentially implicate high-ranking leaders from both sides.
As the investigation is underway, Derna’s mayor, Abdel-Moneim al-Gaithi, has been suspended pending the outcome, and Ahmed Amdour has been appointed as the acting mayor.
The collapse of the dams came as a surprise to the residents of Derna, as there was no warning about the potential danger. Local officials had issued evacuation orders for coastal areas due to the approaching storm, but the dams were not part of the warning. A government audit in 2021 had already flagged the lack of maintenance for the dams, despite the allocation of funds for that purpose.
International and local rescue teams are tirelessly working to locate bodies and potential survivors in Derna. The city’s devastated population of 90,000 is still reeling from the tragedy, with many recounting stories of loss and heartbreak.
Libyan authorities have restricted access to the flooded city to facilitate search and recovery efforts. The true extent of the missing persons is yet to be determined, with bodies believed to be buried under rubble or swept away by the floodwaters into the Mediterranean Sea.
The storm also impacted other parts of eastern Libya, displacing tens of thousands of people and causing widespread damage. Among the victims are dozens of foreigners, including individuals who had fled conflict in other regions or were en route to Europe. Malta has been assisting with relief efforts in Libya and recovered over 80 bodies during search operations.
The investigation into the dams’ collapse serves as a critical moment for Libya’s judicial authorities to unearth the truth. However, the political divide and lack of accountability pose significant challenges to achieving justice and preventing such disasters in the future.
Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Jack Jeffery contributed to this report from London.
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