Investigation Launched into Collapse of Two Dams that Caused Devastating Flood in Libyan City of Derna

DERNA, Libya – Libyan authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse of two dams that caused a devastating flood in the coastal city of Derna, as rescue teams search for bodies on Saturday.

The floods, which occurred last weekend, have already claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people and left thousands more missing. Search teams are combing through the streets, wrecked buildings, and even the sea to look for bodies.

Access to the flooded city of Derna was limited on Friday to make it easier for searchers to dig through the mud and hollowed-out buildings for the more than 10,000 people still missing and presumed dead. The floods overwhelmed two dams, sending a wall of water several meters high through the center of Derna, destroying entire neighborhoods and sweeping people out to sea.

The death toll could grow further due to the spread of waterborne diseases and shifting of explosive ordnance that was swept up when the two dams collapsed. The Libyan government has declared a state of emergency in the region and is providing aid to those affected by the floods.

The investigation into the cause of the collapse of the two dams is ongoing. In the meantime, search teams continue to comb through the wreckage in search of survivors and to recover the bodies of those who have been lost.