Official Investigation Launched Following Devastating Flood in Libya
The authorities in Libya have initiated an official investigation into the collapse of two dams, which resulted in a catastrophic flood in the port city of Darna. Almost a week after the floods began, the latest official figures reveal that there have been 11,000 reported deaths, with over 10,000 people still missing and 34,000 individuals displaced from their homes.
Attorney General of Libya, Al-Sadiq Al-Sour, has announced that his office will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the dams, which were constructed in the 1970s. He also expressed his intention to examine the actions taken by previous authorities to ensure the proper maintenance of the dams. At a press conference, Al-Sour reassured the citizens and stated, “Whoever made a mistake or acted negligently will face severe consequences and will be held accountable.”
Dr. Abdelwanis Ashour, a water engineer from a Libyan university, expressed his shock and disbelief over the situation. He acknowledged that there was a lack of interest from the state regarding the maintenance of the dams, with funds being diverted to corruption and political conflicts. Ashour further explained that the original engineers underestimated the amount of rainfall expected in the area, exacerbating the situation.
The two dams, assisted in their construction by engineers from Yugoslavia, included a large dam called Abu Mansour, situated further away from the city, and a smaller dam named Al-Bilad, located on the outskirts of Darna. Despite experiencing previous storms during Muammar Gaddafi’s reign, the existing dams managed to withstand the challenges. However, repairs to the dams were only considered minimally despite mounting pressure.
According to Al-Sour, a Turkish company was enlisted to repair the damages nearly ten years later, but the government procrastinated in making payments, and the project was only launched in 2010. The prosecutor further revealed that attempts to repair the dams were made in 2011, but after Gaddafi was overthrown, work in the area came to a halt. The state comptroller’s report from 2021 disclosed that over $2.3 million had been allocated for dam maintenance, but the funds were never utilized for their intended purpose. The official investigation’s effectiveness is uncertain due to the divided nature of Libya’s government and the conflicting interests of various militias and international actors.
Rescue efforts are ongoing with teams diligently working to locate survivors amid the rubble. The World Health Organization reported the discovery of an additional 3,958 victims, and 29 tons of medical equipment have been sent to Benghazi, located in the eastern part of the country. The commissioner in Libya emphasized the magnitude of the disaster, stating, “This is a disaster of epic proportions, and we mourn the unimaginable loss of tens of thousands.”
Various aid organizations, including the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) and Doctors Without Borders, have expressed concerns about the potential outbreak of diseases in the unsanitary and resource-depleted environment. The Islamic organization highlighted the rapid spread of diseases, particularly in areas with contaminated water systems, stating that the city “smells like death,” with almost everyone having lost someone they knew. Doctors Without Borders also emphasized the risk of waterborne diseases in such circumstances.
In contrast, the Red Cross and the World Health Organization issued an official statement refuting the belief that the bodies of natural disaster victims generally pose health risks. These organizations urged Libyan citizens to refrain from burying the dead in mass graves. Furthermore, Salem al-Farjani, the director general of emergency services in eastern Libya, provided an update on the rescue efforts, noting that only authorized search and rescue teams are currently allowed in the affected parts of the town. Many citizens have already chosen to evacuate voluntarily.
The devastating flood in Darna has brought about immense loss and suffering. As the investigation proceeds, it is hoped that accountability will be upheld, and measures will be put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future. The ongoing rescue and aid efforts aim to alleviate the immediate humanitarian crisis and address the potential health risks faced by the affected population.