Angry Protesters Demand Accountability In Flood-Hit Libya

In the aftermath of a catastrophic flash flood that left thousands dead in Derna, Libya, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the city's grand mosque on Monday. They accused the authorities of neglect and demanded accountability for the disaster. Chanting slogans against the eastern Libyan parliament and its leader, Aguilah Saleh, the demonstrators cried out, "The people want parliament to fall," "Aguila is the enemy of God," "The blood of martyrs is not shed in vain," and "Thieves and betrayers must hang." A statement on behalf of the protesters called for a swift investigation and legal action against those responsible for the flood. They also demanded the establishment of a United Nations office in Derna, the commencement of the city's reconstruction, compensation for affected residents, and an inquiry into the city council's past budgets. The flash flood occurred on September 10 after two dams, which had been reported to have cracks dating back to 1998, burst following the impact of Storm Daniel in eastern Libya. This unleashed a devastating torrent that swept through Derna, claiming nearly 3,300 lives and leaving thousands more missing. The survivors, now homeless and in dire need of clean water, food, and basic supplies, face the looming threats of cholera, diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition, as warned by UN agencies. The UN has also raised concerns about the potential for disease outbreaks due to contaminated water sources. The Libyan disease control center has banned residents in the disaster zone from using local tap water, deeming it "polluted." Rescue teams from various countries are tirelessly searching for bodies amidst the debris of destroyed buildings, crushed vehicles, and uprooted trees. Bulldozers work to clear the roads caked with mud, while the true death toll remains uncertain, with many swept into the sea. In response to the crisis, numerous countries have dispatched emergency response teams and aid, and the UN has initiated an emergency appeal for over $71 million in aid. The European Union has released 5.2 million euros in humanitarian funding for Libya. Despite longstanding political divisions in Libya, rival administrations have temporarily set aside their differences to collaborate on providing aid and relief to the stricken city. The tragedy has underscored the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness in the region, exacerbated by climatic factors and the legacy of Libya's past conflicts.