'Race against time to prevent a further health crisis from emerging' in wake of Libya's devastation

Libyan authorities demanded an investigation on Thursday into whether human failings were to blame for thousands of deaths in the worst natural disaster in the country's modern history, as survivors searched for loved ones washed away by floods. A torrent unleashed by a powerful storm burst dams on Sunday

night and hurtled down a seasonal riverbed that bisects the eastern city of Derna, washing multi-storey buildings into the sea with sleeping families inside. Confirmed death tolls given by officials have varied. All are in the thousands, with thousands more on lists of the missing. Derna Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi said deaths in the city could already reach 18,000-20,000, based on the extent of the damage. For more on all of the humanitarian aid and rescue efforts underway, FRANCE 24's Mark Owen is joined by Samah Hadid, Head of Advocacy for Media and Communications in the Middle East at the Norwegian Refugee Council.

[dammitdan]

Practicality must trump sentimentality in Derna Flood 2023. Evacuate the refugees, close and secure the affected area. Natural decomposition will recycle remains until disease is no longer a threat. It's the least expensive and most humane course of action for Libyans.

[peacepeaceful]

Maybe build in a different spot. Turn one river into two or more.
Dams are a poor idea. They cause more environmental damage than good.
Should be moving people out into clean areas. It's a sad terrible event. No good blaming people. 1 years worth of rain in one lump..who knew..how could you?