Storm Daniel: a natural disaster of devastating magnitude in Libya
Libya was violently hit by Storm Daniel, causing massive destruction and a tragic human toll. The city of Derna, located in the east of the country, was particularly affected, with thousands dead and missing. This natural disaster raises many questions about its cause and consequences.
Insufficient infrastructure in the face of the violence of the storm
The city of Derna suffered the full brunt of the consequences of storm Daniel due to the massive influx of water from the wadi which crosses the city. The two dams supposed to protect the city collapsed under the force of the floods, causing considerable devastation. This tragedy highlights the lack of maintenance of these infrastructures and their dilapidated state. Built more than 30 years ago, the dams have not been properly maintained since 2002, worsening already devastating floods.
A dense population and precarious buildings
Derna’s population density also played a role in the scale of the disaster. With around 100,000 inhabitants, the city was heavily populated and the neighborhoods affected by the floods were mainly working-class areas where living conditions were precarious. Dilapidated infrastructure and homes built without respect for urban planning standards aggravated the damage caused by the storm.
Global warming: an aggravating factor
Global warming is also a factor to take into consideration in this catastrophe. The temperature of the Mediterranean Sea near the Libyan coast was abnormally high, which contributed to the intensification of the storm. High water temperatures led to greater evaporation, generating greater precipitation and severe thunderstorms. This situation highlights the impact of global warming on extreme weather phenomena.
Lessons to be learned for the future
The disaster in Libya raises the need to strengthen the prevention and management of risks linked to violent natural phenomena. It is essential to invest in the maintenance of existing infrastructure, improve construction standards and raise awareness of potential dangers. In addition, it is essential to take measures to combat global warming and its destructive effects.
In conclusion, Storm Daniel in Libya caused considerable devastation, highlighting the vulnerability of populations and infrastructure to natural disasters. This tragedy calls for collective awareness and concrete actions to better prevent and deal with these emergency situations.