Libyan devastating floods due to Storm Daniel, in the last quarter of 2023 killed 4,352 people and got over 45,000 displaced. Authorities report that thousands are still missing, with survivors struggling in the aftermath. It is a double tragedy considering the tough economic times in the politically estranged nation, which also continues the effects of climate change.
The country’s preparedness has been questioned. True to that, Derna residents were not adequately warned of the impending Storm Daniel. Also, there were no proper evacuation plans for the people in Wadi Derna close to the dams.
The residents only got warned after the dams broke their brims. Experts also question why the Ministry of Water Resource Department never ceased operations of the aging dams.
The devastating Libya incident calls for better preparedness from respective authorities around Africa. For instance, meteorologists foresee extreme rainfall around East Africa during the short rainy season.
Therefore, citizens in countries like Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia (which have recently faced flooding), which are prone to flooding, should start preparing early to avoid similar or worse effects.
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