"Unprecedented Floods in Libya: A Preventable Tragedy"

The devastating floods in the eastern Libyan city of Derna, caused by Storm Daniel, have highlighted the country's vulnerability to natural disasters due to corruption, poor infrastructure maintenance, and years of political infighting. The failure of two dams, which had not been properly maintained since 2002, resulted in the death of over 11,300 people, with the mayor suggesting the toll could be as high as 20,000. The lack of public investment and major rebuilding programs, coupled with the dismantling of public infrastructure and financial mismanagement, have left Libya ill-prepared to handle such events.