The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed concerns about the stability of two additional dams in eastern Libya. This follows the collapse of two dams in a recent storm, resulting in a significant loss of life. OCHA stated that reports on the condition of the two dams were conflicting.
The Jaza Dam, located between the storm-ravaged cities of Derna and Benghazi, and the Qattara Dam near Benghazi were reported to be in good condition and operational, the local authorities say. They also mentioned that pumps were being installed at the Jaza Dam to alleviate pressure.
Last week, the Mediterranean storm Daniel hit Libya, causing the destruction of the two collapsed dams and triggering floods that devastated the city of Derna, resulting in numerous casualties and missing persons. Concerns have also been raised about the risk of disease due to contaminated water in Derna and other flood-affected areas of eastern Libya, as highlighted by the UN and aid groups.
Experts had previously warned about the vulnerability of the now-collapsed dams to flooding, especially due to a lack of maintenance. Built-in the 1970s, the Abu Mansour and Derna dams were meant to protect the city of Derna from flash floods. These dams suffered significant damage in 1986 during a powerful storm in the region. A study from the 1990s revealed cracks and fissures in their structures, but maintenance efforts were insufficient.
Libya has been divided between two rival governments for over a decade, contributing to a lack of attention to critical infrastructure maintenance. Libya's General Prosecutor, al-Sediq al-Sour, has pledged to investigate the dam collapses and the allocation of funds for their upkeep.
The exact death toll from the disaster remains unclear, but several thousand people are reported to have died. The UN has warned of the potential for disease outbreaks in eastern Libya due to damaged infrastructure, contaminated water, and a lack of sanitation. Local officials, aid agencies, and the World Health Organization have expressed concerns about the risk of diseases like cholera, diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) also issued a warning about a "rapidly escalating public health crisis" in flood-affected areas, emphasizing the urgent need for clean water access.
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