Negligence in maintenance found in collapse of Derna Dam in Libya, says judicial sources

By Muetaz Wannes and Hamdi Yildiz

TRIPOLI (AA) - There was negligence in the catastrophic collapse of the Derna Dam in eastern Libya which killed thousands of victims, judicial sources said Friday.

As a result of investigations, negligence was found in the maintenance of the dam, Libyan Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said on social media.

It said a lack of warning systems in the two collapsed dams, the cleaning of the upper covers and negligence in routine maintenance contributed to the disaster.

Fourteen people, including Derna’s mayor, and officials from the Dams Board and Water Resources Institution were detained. Warrants were issued with a red notice for two unnamed suspects who fled abroad.

Eastern Libya was ravaged by deadly floods caused by Mediterranean Storm Daniel on Sept. 10, killing more than 4,300 victims and leaving behind a massive trail of destruction, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Derna was hardest hit by the floods, causing the city's dams to burst, washing away homes and people.

According to the Tripoli-based government, around 95% of educational institutions in eastern Libya were damaged by the floods.

The government estimates that the floods damaged 114 schools in 15 localities in eastern Libya.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar