Title: Investigation Launched into Dam Collapse Tragedy in Libyan City of Derna
Subtitle: Prosecutors will scrutinize local authorities, previous governments, and maintenance funds allocation
[date]
The collapse of two dams in the eastern port city of Derna, Libya, has prompted the country’s top prosecutor to launch an investigation into the tragedy that claimed the lives of thousands and left the city largely destroyed. General Prosecutor al-Sediq al-Sour announced that the probe will focus on local authorities, previous governments, and the allocation of the dams’ maintenance funds.
Addressing reporters at a late-night news conference on Friday, al-Sour reassured citizens that those responsible for mistakes or negligence will face the consequences. “Prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him and send him to trial,” he stated.
As rescue teams continue to search for bodies in the ravaged city, conflicting death tolls have been reported, with officials in the east and west of the country providing different estimates. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Saturday that 3,958 bodies have been recovered and identified, while 9,000 people are still missing. The WHO also announced the arrival of 29 tonnes of health supplies in Benghazi, eastern Libya.
The scale of the disaster has led aid organizations to express concerns about potential disease outbreaks and difficulties in delivering supplies to those in need. Islamic Relief warned of a “second humanitarian crisis” due to the risk of water-borne diseases, food shortages, and a lack of shelter and medicine. Haider al-Saeih, head of Libya’s center for combatting disease, confirmed that at least 150 people had already suffered from diarrhea after drinking contaminated water and urged residents to rely on bottled water.
However, delivering aid to Derna is proving to be challenging due to the impact of the dams’ collapse on roadways and the potential presence of unexploded landmines. Caroline Holt, director of disasters, climate, and crises with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, highlighted the additional security risks facing both the local population and aid workers.
The investigation into the dam collapse raises uncertainties due to Libya’s political fragmentation between two rival administrations. The lack of a strong central government has resulted in critical infrastructure being neglected. A state-run audit agency report from 2021 revealed that the two dams, which were constructed in the 1970s, had not been adequately maintained despite the allocation of over $2 million for that purpose in 2012 and 2013.
Residents with missing relatives have been urged to report to a forensic committee responsible for documenting and identifying retrieved bodies. Questions have been raised about whether better governance could have prevented the high number of casualties in Derna.
The tragedy has drawn attention from the international community, with Stephanie Williams, a US diplomat and former UN envoy to Libya, calling for global mobilization to coordinate aid efforts. Williams emphasized the need to prevent Libya’s ruling class from exploiting the situation for their own interests. Holt, meanwhile, highlighted the heartening stories of unity and support emerging between factions in the aftermath of the disaster.
As the investigation continues, Libyans remain focused on rebuilding their shattered city and restoring hope to those affected by the catastrophic dam collapse.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided content and speculates on certain elements of the story.