“Libya facing an unprecedented disaster: searches are increasing to find the thousands of people missing after the devastating floods caused by storm Daniel. However, the population is demanding answers and this raises questions about the failing state of the country.
The two dams that broke are not just victims of Storm Daniel. Local authorities and experts point the finger at the negligence of a Libyan state in complete decline.
According to the mayor of Derna, the last maintenance on one of the dams dates back to 2002. This dilapidation, associated with the cracks present in the constructions, would have weakened the strength of the dams over the years. Malak al-Taïeb, a researcher specializing in water issues in North Africa, points out that these factors have increased the risk of flooding and could have been anticipated if the Libyan authorities had learned lessons from Storm Daniel in Greece a few years ago. days earlier.
It is also important to note that Storm Daniel is a Mediterranean subtropical cyclone, also called “Medicane” by experts. This natural disaster is explained by climate disruption which caused an increase in sea temperature this summer. These high temperatures favored evaporation, which created a cyclone whose winds could reach speeds of 160 km/h. Heavy rainfall and dry soils in the region have exacerbated the damage caused by flooding.
This disaster highlights the need for collective awareness of climate issues. Antiquated dams and failing warning systems are gaps that must be addressed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Finally, it is essential that the international community provide support to Libya and contribute to the reconstruction of the Derna region. Residents need help and resources to recover from this unprecedented disaster.
It is time for lessons to be learned from this tragedy and for concrete steps to be taken to prevent future similar disasters. The safety of populations must be an absolute priority and this requires solid infrastructure, rigorous management of water resources and increased awareness of the climate challenges we face.”