One year has passed since a catastrophic flood devastated the Libyan city of Derna, claiming at least 5,000 lives and leaving thousands more unaccounted for. The disaster, which occurred on September 11, 2023, has left deep scars on the community, with reconstruction efforts hampered by Libya's ongoing political divisions.
Hassan Kassar, a 69-year-old resident, exemplifies the tragedy that befell many families. While shopping in Egypt for his daughter's wedding, Kassar lost all four of his children to the flood. Upon returning to Derna, he found his home destroyed and the city in ruins.
"It was a black day. A tragic day."
The flood struck Derna in the middle of the night, catching many residents off guard. Survivors describe a sudden inrush of water that rose several stories high, demolishing buildings along the city's central waterway. The disaster's aftermath was grim, with bodies and debris washing up along the shore for days.
Derna, a port city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BCE, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. The city's location at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range, combined with its two main wadis (dry riverbeds), makes it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall. The dams that failed were constructed in the 1970s during Muammar Gaddafi's rule and had been poorly maintained.
Libya's political instability, which began after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ended Gaddafi's four-decade rule, has significantly impacted the country's infrastructure. The nation split in 2014 between warring eastern and western factions, leading to the decay of many state functions, including proper maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, some progress in reconstruction has been made. Kassar's home was eventually rebuilt as eastern authorities initiated major reconstruction works. However, United Nations efforts to unite rival western and eastern authorities for a coordinated rebuilding effort have been unsuccessful due to years of distrust.
Libya's struggles extend beyond Derna. As the country with the largest proven oil reserves in Africa and the longest Mediterranean coastline on the continent, Libya's potential for development is significant. However, political instability continues to hinder progress, with the predominantly young population (median age of about 25) facing an uncertain future.
As Derna slowly rebuilds, the flood's impact remains a stark reminder of the consequences of political division and neglected infrastructure. The city's recovery serves as a microcosm of Libya's broader challenges, highlighting the urgent need for national unity and effective governance.