There must be an investigation to the large number of deaths in Libya

First off this is the climate crisis. These tragedies may very well become common place. However, we don't know that until there is an investigation/inquiry into the events leading up to the flooding that killed so many. My concern is that the authorities in Libya may have known about the impending disaster, didn't comprehend the brevity of it and/or DECIDED that it was unnecessary to protect the citizens of Libya. We know that Libya is divided into east and west with conflict between the two. It is important to understand exactly what transpired if it is at all possible.

I might add, the buildings surrounded by water are not safe. The land there may become saturated and destabilize the foundations. They are also surrounded by contamination as refuse and sewage would be in the water after the flooding. There will be disease potential to the people that remain there. Those surviving need to be rescued via boats, etc. They should be transported to safety in other areas of the country. They are climate refugees to their new location.

Let's hope the new found unity of the people continues. Libya has one of the highest per capita GDP in Africa from oil revenues. It should be well able to relocate the survivors of these devastating floods. There is no doubt given the extent of the flooding entire families were lost. There needs to be a national day of mourning for all those who have drowned.

The entire number of deaths may never be known. The waters washed people away.

September 15, 2023

By Yousef Mourad

It is estimated that at least 30,000 people are displaced (click here).

DERNA, Libya (AP) — Libyan authorities (click here) limited access to the flooded city of Derna on Friday to make it easier for searchers to dig through the mud and hollowed-out buildings for the more than 10,000 people still missing and presumed dead following a disaster that has already claimed more than 11,000 lives.

The staggering death toll could grow further due to the spread of waterborne diseases and shifting of explosive ordnance that was swept up when two dams collapsed early Monday and sent a wall of water gushing through the city, officials warned.

The disaster has brought some rare unity to oil-rich Libya, which after years of war and civil strife is divided between rival governments in the country’s east and west that are backed by various militia forces and international patrons. But the opposing governments have struggled to respond to the crisis, and recovery efforts have been hampered by confusion, difficulty getting aid to the hardest-hit areas, and the destruction of Derna’s infrastructure, including several bridges....