The findings of the judicial inquiry into the Derna disaster in Libya indicate that the dams that collapsed last September were fragile, as revealed by Libya’s Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour on Sunday. At least 25 experts unanimously agree that negligence played a significant role in the disaster.
The published results from last week emphasize that the catastrophe could have been averted had the recommendations, dating back to 2003, for the maintenance of these dams and the construction of a third one been implemented.
The devastating flooding that occurred on September 10 and 11 wreaked havoc in the northeastern Libyan city, resulting in a death toll of 4,540, according to the latest count. The torrent of water swept away neighborhoods and inflicted severe damage on crucial sewage and water infrastructure, which remains unrepaired, as noted by the UN. The UN also asserted at the time that most of the deaths could have been “avoided.”
Derna witnessed over 30,000 people being displaced, with the floods affecting nearly a million individuals, as reported by the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The repercussions of the disaster continue to pose significant challenges for the region.