2023 Libya floods
| File:Derna flood aftermath 2023.jpg Aerial view of the destruction in Derna following the dam collapse | |
| Date | 10–11 September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location | Derna, Libya |
| Type | Flash flood, dam failure |
| Cause | Collapse of the Derna Dam and Mansour Dam after Storm Daniel |
| Deaths | At least 11,300 confirmed[1] |
| Missing | Over 10,000 |
The 2023 Derna floods were catastrophic flash floods that struck the city of Derna, eastern Libya, on the night of 10 September 2023. Triggered by the collapse of two aging dams during Storm Daniel, the disaster killed over 11,300 people and left thousands missing, making it one of the deadliest floods of the 21st century.[1] The floods caused entire neighborhoods to be swept into the sea, obliterating roads, homes, and critical infrastructure.
Background[edit | edit source]
Libya’s infrastructure had suffered from years of neglect due to prolonged political instability since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The two dams — the Derna and Mansour dams — were constructed in the 1970s to protect against flooding. According to Libyan engineers, both dams had shown signs of severe wear for years, with maintenance last reported in the early 2000s.[2]
Storm Daniel[edit | edit source]
On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in northeastern Libya after devastating parts of southern Europe. The storm brought torrential rain to the Jebel Akhdar region. In Derna, more than 400mm of rain fell in under 24 hours—an amount far beyond what the dams were designed to handle.[3]
Dam Collapse and Flooding[edit | edit source]
Around 2:00 a.m. local time on 11 September, the Derna Dam failed, releasing millions of cubic meters of water. Shortly after, the Mansour Dam downstream also collapsed. The resulting surge formed a tsunami-like wall of water that swept through the heart of Derna. Officials from the Libyan Red Crescent estimated that nearly a quarter of the city was destroyed.[4]
Casualties and Missing Persons[edit | edit source]
As of mid-September 2023, the confirmed death toll exceeded 11,000, with more than 10,000 others reported missing.[1] Many victims were swept out to sea or buried under rubble. Morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed. Survivors described hearing "a loud explosion" before a torrent of water tore through their neighborhoods.[5]
Humanitarian Response[edit | edit source]
Initial rescue efforts were severely hampered by the political division in Libya, with separate governments in the east and west. International assistance began to arrive within days, with aid sent by countries including Egypt, Italy, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.[6]
Investigation and Accountability[edit | edit source]
Following the disaster, Libyan prosecutors launched an investigation into the dam collapses, citing potential corruption and criminal negligence. The mayor of Derna was reportedly arrested in the weeks following the flood.[7]
Climate Change and Warnings[edit | edit source]
Experts highlighted that the disaster illustrates how climate change is intensifying extreme weather events. UN officials pointed out that, while Storm Daniel itself was a rare event, its deadly consequences were exacerbated by poor infrastructure and a lack of early warning systems.[8]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Libya floods: More than 11,000 dead in Derna – UN". BBC News. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Libya flood disaster worsened by years of war, corruption and neglect". CNN. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Libya floods: What caused them and are they a sign of things to come?". BBC News. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Libya floods: Red Crescent warns of humanitarian disaster". Al Jazeera. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Derna flood: Libya's disaster was decades in the making". The Guardian. 15 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "World sends aid to flood-stricken Libya". Reuters. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Libya floods: Derna mayor arrested amid investigation into dam failures". France 24. 18 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ↑ "Libya floods: Climate change likely boosted storm intensity, scientists say". Bloomberg. Retrieved 20 September 2023.