Natural Disaster or Man-Made: Why Was Libya So Vulnerable to Floods?

The devastating floods that struck the eastern Libyan city of Derna, resulting in the deaths of over 6,000 people, have raised questions about the country’s vulnerability to such disasters. While some attribute the tragedy solely to a natural disaster, experts argue that years of neglect, corruption, and political infighting have exacerbated Libya’s susceptibility to such events.

The failure of two dams during Storm Daniel caused torrents of water to rush through a dry riverbed and inundate Derna. Entire neighborhoods were swept away, and the water resembled a massive tsunami. The death toll continues to rise, with the mayor of Derna suggesting it could reach as high as 20,000.

Experts point to corruption, poor maintenance of public infrastructure, and years of political turmoil as contributing factors to Libya’s unpreparedness for a disaster like Storm Daniel. Claudia Gazzini, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Libya, highlights the lack of development budget and allocation for long-term projects over the past three years. The absence of legitimate governments capable of making significant plans has hindered infrastructure development.

One concrete example of the lack of public investment is the failure of the dams in Derna. According to Derna’s Deputy Mayor Ahmed Madroud, the dams had not been properly maintained since 2002, spanning the rule of Muammar Gaddafi and the administrations that followed his overthrow in 2011. Researchers from Omar Al-Mukhtar University had warned about the urgent need for attention to the dams, citing a high potential for flood risk. However, no action was taken.

Derna has faced a cycle of violence and political instability, with groups like ISIL taking advantage of the absence of a functioning state. Renegade general Khalifa Haftar eventually seized control of Derna after a brutal two-year siege. The city has suffered from intensive bombardments and ground fighting, leaving authorities reluctant to invest in major rebuilding programs.

Hani Shennib, president of the National Council on US Libya Relations, emphasizes the long-standing neglect of Derna, which has caused alienation and political turmoil for decades. The floods have exposed the erosion in the dams, an issue that has been repeatedly reported but ignored by officials.

While some blame local authorities for negligence in planning for the storm, the problem extends beyond them. Years of corruption and financial mismanagement have led to the dismantling of public infrastructure. The military investment authority has been accused of cannibalizing Libya’s public infrastructure in the east, selling it as scrap metal.

The tragedy in Derna serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for investment in infrastructure, proper maintenance, and effective governance. Addressing corruption and political infighting will be crucial in ensuring Libya’s resilience against future natural disasters. The international community must also provide support and aid to help the country recover and rebuild.

Source: Al Jazeera