Repair work was agreed but never finished and Derna paid the price. Experts say infrastructure projects have long been neglected, with officials focusing instead on lining their own pockets.
Tag: Levees and Dams
East Libya’s Leader Keeps Tight Control Over Flood Aid
Khalifa Hifter, who oversees a military dictatorship that leads the eastern half of the divided, oil-rich nation, is dominating the response to the disaster and could use it to entrench his power further.
Libyan Protesters Demand Accountability After Floods Killed Thousands
The cries of protesters were part of a rising chorus of calls for answers from leaders across a divided Libya, specifically for an international investigation.
Libya Dams Were in Danger, Engineer Warned
“The state wasn’t interested,” said an engineer who published a paper on why Derna’s dams, after decades of postponed repairs, might fail under the stress of a powerful storm.
After Libya Floods, a Chaotic Scramble for Rescuers
“The situation is still very bad — there is a mismanagement of the crisis,” said one volunteer. Thousands of people died, and many are still missing, after heavy rains led to the collapse of two dams.
Libyan Flood Survivor Recounts Horror After Dams Burst
“We walked out barefoot and saw our friends and neighbors dying,” said a woman from Derna, Libya. More than 5,000 are reported dead, and 10,000 more are believed to be missing.
Flooding in Libya: What to Know
Thousands were killed and at least 30,000 were displaced. Heavy rain caused two dams to break, devastating the coastal city of Derna.
More Than 5,000 Dead in Libya as Collapsed Dams Worsen Flood Disaster
In a catastrophe recalling Hurricane Katrina, a heavy storm burst through dams to unleash their waters on the city of Derna, sweeping away entire neighborhoods.
Thousands Feared Dead in Libya Flooding
The authorities in the country’s east said that two dams unleashed their waters on the city of Derna during a heavy storm this weekend, sweeping entire neighborhoods into the sea.
Hundreds Reported Dead in Severe Libya Flooding
The waters swept away hundreds of homes as emergency officials raced to find survivors of the flooding caused by torrential weekend rains. Officials in one city described “catastrophic” devastation.