Libyan Prosecutor investigates 16 officials over Derna dam collapse
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One of the individuals being investigated includes the former mayor of Derna.
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Rescuers and relatives of victims set up tents in front of collapsed buildings in Derna, Libya, Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.
The top Libyan prosecutor has initiated an inquiry into 16 individuals, including both current and former officials in charge of water resources and dam management. This investigation pertains to their roles in the tragic collapse of two dams near the eastern city of Derna.
"They are responsible for negligent execution of administrative and financial duties," the statement from the prosecutor general's office read
One of the individuals being investigated includes the former mayor of Derna.
Several countries have sent their condolences and offered aid to #Libya as rescue teams scramble to find survivors under the debris and rubble.#StormDaniel pic.twitter.com/Px7NtOIu9b
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 12, 2023
Last week, the government in eastern Libya reported that Prime Minister Usama Hamad has removed all the members of Derna's municipal council from their positions and has referred them for a formal investigation.
"Aguila we don’t want you. All Libyans are brothers," protesters shouted out.
They also advocated for a sense of national unity in a nation that has been deeply divided due to over ten years of turmoil and political disarray.
This is happening as the complete extent of the casualties remains uncertain, with authorities reporting significantly different death counts. According to the Libyan Red Crescent, over 11,300 individuals have died, and more than 10,000 are still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has officially documented 3,922 fatalities.
Read more: Libyans to the rescue of Derna’s orphans; offer them aid, take them in
On September 22, Libya's eastern-based administration announced that an international conference will be held next month in the flood-ravaged port city of Derna to boost rehabilitation efforts.
In a statement, the administration announced that "the government invites the international community to participate in the conference planned for October 10 in Derna to present modern, rapid projects for the reconstruction of the city."
The conference is scheduled to be held to respond to the demands of "residents of the stricken city of Derna and other towns that suffered damage" after the floods.
