Dams break, homes swept away in Libya flooding

Two dams collapse in Derna, Libya, causing unprecedented destruction and loss of life. Questions arise about disaster preparedness in the face of this unforeseen catastrophe

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 13 September 2023 10:48 am

Catastrophic Dam Collapse in Derna, Libya: Unprecedented Devastation Unleashed

The northeastern Libyan city of Derna has been ravaged by the collapse of two dams, resulting from the relentless onslaught of flooding. The calamity has caused catastrophic damage, leaving entire neighborhoods submerged and causing a devastating loss of life and property.

Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA), revealed the extent of the destruction, stating, "Three bridges were destroyed. The flowing water carried away entire neighborhoods, eventually depositing them into the sea." The force of the rushing waters was so overwhelming that homes nestled in valleys were swept away by powerful, muddy currents, carrying vehicles and debris in their destructive path. Osama Aly, the head of Libya's Emergency and Ambulance authority, painted a grim picture of the disaster, underlining the challenges faced by rescue efforts. Phone lines in the city have been severed, complicating communication and rendering workers unable to enter Derna due to the extensive destruction.

The tragedy has also raised questions about disaster preparedness and response in Libya. As Osama Aly pointed out, "The weather conditions were not studied well, the seawater levels and rainfall [were not studied], the wind speeds, there was no evacuation of families that could be in the path of the storm and in valleys." The lack of adequate preparation and response mechanisms has left Libya reeling in the wake of this unprecedented catastrophe.

Libya, historically not prone to such catastrophic events, finds itself grappling with the aftermath of a disaster of this magnitude for the first time. The impact of the dam collapse serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by nations ill-prepared to face the unpredictable forces of nature. It highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster planning, infrastructure resilience, and community education to mitigate the devastation caused by such events in the future.

As Libya mourns its losses and confronts the overwhelming challenges posed by this disaster, it serves as a sombre wake-up call for governments and communities worldwide to prioritize disaster preparedness and response efforts. The lessons learned from this tragedy must serve as a catalyst for improving resilience and saving lives in the face of nature's wrath.