Libya protests have ejected as residents request accountability and answers for the catastrophic event that claimed thousands of lives and destroyed entire neighborhoods. The flood, set off by heavy rains, brought about the breakdown of two dams, prompting boundless annihilation and misfortune.
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The flood in Derna, happened because of heavy rains that made two aging dams give way, immersing the city with a torrent of water. The catastrophe left thousands dead and displaced tens of thousands of residents.
The true extent of the disaster is still unclear, with thousands of people reported missing, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Libya’s recent history.
In the result of the flood, many Derna’s residents took to the streets, demanding accountability and justice. They accumulated external the city’s Sahaba Mosque, an symbol of solidarity and strength even with difficulty.
The protesters voiced their anger and frustration, calling for the removal of top officials, including the head of the eastern-based Libyan parliament, Aguila Saleh.
The annoyance of the protests was substantial as they recited slogans denouncing the government’s handling of the disaster. Some even climbed onto the golden dome of the Sahaba Mosque, a powerful symbol of their determination to seek answers and justice.
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Occupants of Derna have blamed local authorities for neglect and incompetence in the lead-up to the flood. Many accept that authorities neglected to sufficiently caution them of the looming catastrophe, despite knowing about the crumbling state of the dams.
There are allegations that the authorities issued a stay-at-home warning instead of a full evacuation order, leaving residents unprepared for the catastrophic flooding.
To comprehend the context of these protests and the difficulties confronting individuals of Derna, taking into account Libya’s mind boggling political landscape is fundamental.
Since the removing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been plagued by power struggles and political fragmentation, resulting in the existence of two rival governments.
One government, recognized by the United Nations and based in Tripoli, controls the western part of the country. The other government, situated in the east and upheld by the warlord General Khalifa Haftar, has been at the focal point of the discussion encompassing the flood.
General Khalifa Haftar, a strong figure in eastern Libya, has depicted the flood as a catastrophic event. Nonetheless, numerous examiners and occupants of Derna vehemently disagree with this characterization.
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They argue that the eastern government, lined up with Haftar, failed to maintain and repair the dams despite prior warnings about their precarious condition.
The discussion about whether the flood was a cataclysmic event or a man-made calamity has heightened the protests and fueled demands for accountability.
The residents of Derna, wrestling with the loss of their loved ones and their homes, are calling for a thorough investigation into the government’s role in the disaster.
In response to the protests and demands for accountability, the eastern Libyan government ordered all journalists to leave Derna.
They accused the media of hindering the work of rescue teams, a claim that has been met with skepticism. The media blackout in Derna has raised concerns about transparency and the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
In addition to the media crackdown, international aid efforts have been mobilized to assist the flood-affected areas in Libya.
Various countries and organizations have sent aid, including food, water, medicine, and bedding. However, protesters argue that more aid is needed to alleviate the suffering of the survivors.
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