Dam and levee breachesGeneral NewsLibyaLibya governmentMiddle EastTripoliWorld News Unheeded Warnings Lead to Catastrophic Flooding in Libya, Exposing Governance Crisis by Gabriel Martinez September 18, 2023 written by Gabriel Martinez September 18, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 77 Despite clear warnings from experts, successive governments in Libya failed to take necessary precautions to fortify two crucial dams located near the northeastern city of Derna. These dams were intended to protect approximately 90,000 residents from the threat of flooding. Notably, last year, a study authored by Abdelwanees Ashoor, a civil engineering professor, indicated that the absence of prompt maintenance would have catastrophic consequences for the valley’s inhabitants. The grim predictions materialized on September 11, when Derna was subjected to catastrophic flooding, triggered by the failure of the two dams. The collapse unleashed a torrential surge that annihilated entire neighborhoods, resulting in more than 11,300 confirmed deaths and over 10,000 people reported missing, according to data from the Libyan Red Crescent and the United Nations. Libya’s governance issues, exemplified by its low ranking of 171 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s transparency index as of 2022, only exacerbated the situation. The nation has been embroiled in political chaos and factional strife since the 2011 ouster of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Currently, the country is divided between two rival administrations—one in the west supported by various armed militias, and another in the east aligned with the Libyan National Army under Gen. Khalifa Hifter. The dams, known as Abu Mansour and Derna, were constructed in the 1970s by a Yugoslav firm. They were specifically designed to shield Derna from flash floods, a frequent occurrence in the region. Saleh Emhanna, a geological researcher affiliated with the University of Ajdabia, noted that the dams had suffered from years of neglect, making them increasingly vulnerable. Further emphasizing the lack of adequate oversight, al-Sediq al-Sour, Libya’s general prosecutor, announced an inquiry into the dam failures and the misallocation of maintenance funds. A 2021 report by a state-run audit agency had disclosed that despite allocating more than $2 million for dam maintenance in 2012 and 2013, no work had been conducted. Arsel Construction Company Ltd., a Turkish firm, claimed to have completed maintenance work on the dams in November 2012. However, there is no third dam as was supposedly planned, according to recent satellite imagery. Ahead of the storm that precipitated the flooding, conflicting messages were sent to residents about evacuation, further compounding the crisis. Authorities in Derna advised residents to vacate coastal areas, yet many received contradictory text messages urging them to stay put. The aftermath of the flood has exposed Libya’s frail infrastructure, with as much as a quarter of Derna being obliterated. Local authorities, including Derna’s suspended mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Gaithi, as well as previous administrations, are now the subject of multiple investigations. Amidst skepticism about the effectiveness of a local probe, activists and concerned citizens have been signing an online petition to establish an independent international committee to determine the root causes of this calamity and hold those accountable. Jalel Harchaoui, an expert at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, noted that any genuine investigation would inevitably confront formidable obstacles, given it may implicate high-ranking officials across Libya’s divided governance structures. In summary, the catastrophic flood in Derna serves as a grim testament to Libya’s entrenched governance issues, ongoing corruption, and the neglect of essential infrastructure—all of which have had fatal consequences for its populace. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Libya FloodsWhat led to the devastating floods in Derna, Libya?Who are the primary victims of the floods?Why did the dams fail?What is the Libyan government’s response to the crisis?Are there calls for international intervention?How does this incident reflect on Libya’s governance and infrastructure?What are the geopolitical implications of this disaster?Has any outside entity been implicated in the lack of dam maintenance?More about Libya Floods Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Libya Floods What led to the devastating floods in Derna, Libya? The catastrophic flooding was a result of the failure of two crucial dams, Abu Mansour and Derna, near the northeastern city of Derna. Despite experts issuing repeated warnings about the significant danger posed by potential floods, successive Libyan governments failed to take necessary precautions or conduct adequate maintenance. Who are the primary victims of the floods? More than 11,300 people were confirmed dead, and over 10,000 remain missing as a result of the catastrophic flooding, according to data from the Libyan Red Crescent and the United Nations. Why did the dams fail? The dams failed due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance. Geological researcher Saleh Emhanna noted that the dams had been dilapidated for many years, with no adequate upkeep or repairs. What is the Libyan government’s response to the crisis? Libya’s general prosecutor, al-Sediq al-Sour, has announced an inquiry into the failure of the dams as well as the misallocation of maintenance funds. Various local authorities, including Derna’s suspended mayor, are subject to ongoing investigations. Are there calls for international intervention? Yes, given skepticism about the efficacy of a local probe, activists and concerned citizens have initiated an online petition calling for the establishment of an independent international committee to determine the root causes of the calamity and to hold those accountable. How does this incident reflect on Libya’s governance and infrastructure? The disaster serves as an indictment of Libya’s entrenched governance issues, ongoing corruption, and neglect of essential infrastructure, factors that have been exacerbated by the country’s long-standing political instability. What are the geopolitical implications of this disaster? While the immediate geopolitical implications are not clear, the disaster has fueled calls for unity in a divided Libya and may impact relations with foreign companies and governments, especially given Turkey’s previous involvement in dam maintenance. Has any outside entity been implicated in the lack of dam maintenance? A Turkish firm, Arsel Construction Company Ltd., claimed to have completed maintenance work on the dams in 2012. However, there is no evidence of a third dam being built as was supposedly planned, casting doubt on the extent of the maintenance work. More about Libya Floods Libyan Red Crescent: Disaster Report on Derna Floods United Nations: Libya Humanitarian Update Transparency International: Libya’s Corruption Index Royal United Services Institute: Expert Analysis on Libya Report by Sabha University Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences on Dams Libya’s General Prosecutor’s Office: Press Release Online Petition for Independent International Committee Arsel Construction Company: Projects in Libya London-based Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies You Might Be Interested In Kim Jong Un Visits Vladivostok University Amid Reports of Weapons Talks with Moscow Putin moves a step closer to a fifth term as president after Russia sets 2024 election date Families in Israel and Abroad Await News of Loved Ones Held Hostage by Militants Family of Maine Mass Shooter Alerted Authorities to Concerns Five Months Prior to Tragedy, Says Sheriff’s Office UAE’s al-Jaber promises young activists he’ll listen; says nothing about fossil fuel ties Lawsuit Alleging Adoption Bias Based on Religion Revived by Appellate Judges corruptionDam and levee breachesDerna floodsGeneral NewsGovernment neglectInfrastructure failureLibyaLibya governmentMiddle EastTripoli Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Gabriel Martinez Follow Author Gabriel Martinez is a science and technology journalist who covers the latest news and developments in the world of science. He is passionate about exploring new frontiers in technology, from artificial intelligence to space exploration. previous post Analysis: U.S.-Iran Prisoner Exchange for Billions Highlights Enduring Constraints of Diplomacy next post Iran-US prisoner swap likely set in motion as $6 billion of once-frozen Iranian assets reaches Qatar You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ