Chaos and rival administrations have resulted in the neglect of crucial infrastructure, even as climate change makes extreme weather events more frequent and severe.
last weekend. The floods overwhelmed two dams, sending a wall of water several meters high through the center of Derna, destroying entire neighborhoods and sweeping people out to sea., according to the Libyan Red Crescent. Six days on, searchers are still digging through mud and hollowed-out buildings, looking for bodies and possible survivors. The Red Crescent has confirmed 11,300 deaths so far.
Authorities and aid groups have voiced concern about the spread of waterborne diseases and shifting of explosive ordnance from Libya's recent conflicts. Such an inquiry would face major obstacles given Libya's lingering political divide, even as the devastation brought a rare moment of unity, with Libyans on both sides rushing aid to Derna.
During a visit to Derna on Friday, Hifter promised promotions to all military personnel involved in the relief efforts. Local and international rescue teams were meanwhile working around the clock, searching for bodies and potential survivors in the city of 90,000 people.
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