Libyan Protesters Demand International Investigation into Devastating Floods
Protesters in Libya are calling for an international investigation into the devastating floods that struck the eastern city of Derna. Last week, torrential rains caused two dams to burst, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. The protesters are demanding the removal of those responsible for the catastrophe, accusing them of government mismanagement and neglect.
The cries of the protesters are part of a growing chorus of voices across the divided country, demanding answers and accountability from their leaders. The protesters, dressed in white biohazard suits and reflective vests, stood on the muddy ground that the floods had swept through, washing away entire neighborhoods into the Mediterranean Sea. Some took to the rooftops of buildings that were still standing.
Aguila Saleh, the speaker of Libya’s Parliament, specifically faced the ire of the protesters. They chanted for his removal, blaming him for deflecting blame and dismissing the disaster as fate. In a televised speech, Saleh rejected accusations of government mismanagement, further infuriating the crowds.
Libyans have lost trust in their own authorities to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the flood tragedy. With the country divided between an internationally recognized government in the west and a separate administration in the east, there is a lack of confidence that the truth will be uncovered. Many believe that only an international investigation can shed light on the circumstances leading to the dam failures.
Successive governments in Libya have been criticized for prioritizing power struggles over addressing the needs of the public. Infrastructure, such as the aging dams, has been neglected, exacerbating the impact of natural disasters. The focus now needs to be on determining what happened and holding those responsible accountable. To achieve this, Libyan authorities must cooperate with an international inquiry.
The chaotic official response to the disaster and the ongoing assessment of the death toll have further fueled the anger of the Libyan people. Estimates suggest that the number of casualties exceeds 11,000. The outrage and demands for accountability are reminiscent of the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, which toppled former dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi.
Despite the hopes that followed el-Qaddafi’s ousting, Libya has faced more than a decade of conflict and suffering. Armed militias have gained power, and the country has been embroiled in a civil war with involvement from foreign powers. The recent flood tragedy has united Libyans in their demand for change.
The dams protecting Derna were known to be vulnerable and in need of maintenance, but warnings were ignored by authorities. An engineer had issued a paper last year highlighting the risk of flood damage due to inadequate dam design, underestimated rainfall expectations, and lack of repairs. Yet, the warnings were disregarded, and the allocated funds for maintenance were never used.
The Libyan meteorological service did issue early warnings about heavy rain and floods, but they failed to address the danger posed by the aging dams. With limitations in observing systems and information technology, their abilities were compromised. The lack of proper warnings and evacuation orders contributed to the high death toll.
Libyans are calling on the international community to intervene and conduct an investigation into the disaster. They believe that justice cannot be achieved through domestic channels, given the country’s history of corruption and impunity. The attorney general has initiated an investigation, but the public remains skeptical due to past failures to hold individuals accountable.
In conclusion, the devastating floods in Libya have sparked widespread protests and demands for an international investigation. The failure to address the maintenance needs of the dams and the lack of effective warnings and evacuation measures have led to a significant loss of life. Libyans are united in their call for accountability and hope that this tragedy can mark a turning point for their country.
