Libya’s 2023 Flood Disaster: The Role of Aging Infrastructure and Climate Change
Research indicates that climate change and decrepit dams were key contributors to the 2023 flood disaster in Derna, Libya. Extreme rainfall of up to 400 mm in a single day led to the collapse of two dams, resulting in over 11,000 fatalities and extensive property damage. The study recommends improved maintenance of infrastructure and community engagement to enhance disaster resilience.
Recent research from the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) has revealed that extreme rainfall exacerbated by climate change and the deterioration of infrastructure led to the devastating flood disaster in Derna, Libya, in September 2023. The study highlights Libya’s vulnerability to severe weather events due to its aging dams and insufficient maintenance protocols.
Storm Daniel struck Derna on September 10, 2023, bringing unprecedented rainfall of up to 400 millimeters within 24 hours. This extreme weather caused the failure of two key embankment dams: the 75-meter-high Bu Mansour dam and the 40-meter-high Elbilad dam, resulting in catastrophic flooding and over 11,000 fatalities alongside significant structural damage to more than 8,500 buildings.
Both dams had exceeded 50 years in age and suffered from long-standing structural weaknesses attributed to inadequate maintenance. Research utilizing advanced satellite imaging techniques from 2016 to 2023 identified uneven foundation sinking, known as differential settlement, with the dams sinking approximately 1.8 mm per year, indicating significant structural instability.
The study also assessed climate change’s role in enhancing the disaster’s impact. Extreme rainfall conditions intensified the strain on Libya’s aged infrastructure, while ongoing political instability hampered maintenance efforts. This lack of governance has exacerbated the deterioration of crucial civil engineering structures, amplifying Libya’s susceptibility to natural calamities.
Urban expansion into floodplains has also contributed to the increased risk of damage from such events. In Derna, over 8,570 buildings were severely impacted, particularly in the Wadi Derna River valley, which experienced the greatest devastation as identified through post-disaster satellite imagery, further indicating the consequences of haphazard urban planning.
The findings stress the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management. This includes implementing regular infrastructure assessments, fostering political stability, and enhancing community involvement in risk assessment and emergency planning. Engaging communities in these processes is critical to improving disaster resilience and preparedness.
Recommendations from the study call for proactive disaster risk management strategies that include improved monitoring of infrastructure, the establishment of early warning systems, and development of community resilience programs. These measures are essential to mitigate risks and enhance preparedness for future disasters.
The study emphasizes the relationship between climate change, aging infrastructure, and the risks of catastrophic flooding in Libya. It illustrates that inadequate maintenance and lacking governance have intensified vulnerabilities. The findings advocate for enhanced disaster management strategies, community engagement, and infrastructure monitoring to prevent future tragedies.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
