Libya’s predominantly arid climate, with vast desert regions, often belies its vulnerability to sporadic but intense rainfall events, which can trigger devastating floods. However, Africa’s deadliest storm on record made landfall in eastern Libya over the weekend of September 9, 2023, resulting in thousands of deaths and a massive recovery effort for a society already in dire straits.[1] Social media users posted footage of the devastation left behind by the floods, showing cars toppling over and roofs collapsing among the wreckage of damaged infrastructure. The worst-hit city of Derna had buildings destroyed by sand and water, according to satellite images. The shores of the coastal city seemed to have been severely eroded. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) revised its earlier estimate on Saturday, stating that at least 11,300 people had died in Derna, with an additional 170 people having died outside the city. The UN report stated that there are at least 10,100 missing persons in Derna alone. State media reports that local rescue teams are still looking for the missing. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations in Libya reported on Wednesday that over 30,000 people had been forced to flee their homes.[2]
Although flooding is a natural disaster that can occur at any time and anywhere, there are modern instruments that can be used to monitor and predict the probability of its occurrence. Hence, to address the challenge of future flooding events, Libya and other African countries should prioritize the development of advanced early warning systems capable of forecasting rainfall patterns and potential flood risks. Investment in resilient infrastructure, including dams, levees, and efficient drainage systems, is crucial to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall, safeguarding critical assets such as hospitals, power plants, and transportation networks. Simultaneously, strict land-use planning and zoning regulations should be enforced to prevent construction in flood-prone areas while promoting sustainable land management practices that reduce soil erosion and enhance water absorption.
In tandem with infrastructure improvements, there is a critical need for public awareness and education initiatives. These campaigns should not only educate residents about flood risks but also equip communities with the knowledge and tools to prepare emergency kits, develop evacuation plans, and respond effectively during flooding incidents.[4] Urban planning and design should prioritize proper drainage systems to minimize urban flooding risks, while the incorporation of green infrastructure solutions, such as permeable pavements and green roofs, can aid in absorbing excess rainwater and mitigating runoff. Recognizing the transboundary nature of extreme rainfall and flooding, Libya and other African countries should actively engage in international collaboration, sharing data, technology, and best practices with neighbouring countries and international organizations. Seeking assistance and funding for infrastructure development and disaster preparedness from international partners can further enhance the nation’s resilience.
In the face of climate change, which is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, Libya and other African countries should adapt and develop climate-resilient agriculture and water management practices. Building local capacity is paramount; training local authorities, emergency responders, and community leaders in flood response and management can significantly improve the country’s readiness to handle flood emergencies. Data collection and research efforts should focus on better understanding local climate patterns and the factors contributing to extreme rainfall events. Historical rainfall and flooding data should be systematically collected and analyzed to inform future planning and decision-making processes. In parallel, Libya and other African countries should establish contingency plans for swift humanitarian responses in the event of major flooding incidents, including the provision of emergency shelters and essential supplies to affected populations.
Involving the community is essential to managing floods and enhancing resilience.[5] Participating local communities in decision-making processes guarantees effective and contextually appropriate solutions. Further, promoting neighbourhood-based projects like planting trees and restoring riverbanks lowers the risk of flooding while also instilling in locals a sense of accountability and ownership. Plans for recovery and rehabilitation following a flood should be well-thought-out, considering both short-term requirements and long-term reconstruction initiatives. Restoring normalcy and bolstering resilience requires guaranteeing that impacted communities receive assistance for reconstructing their homes and means of subsistence. In conclusion, overcoming Libya’s extreme rainfall and flooding challenges can be difficult because flooding is a natural disaster. However, undertaking some of the measures listed above can yield some great results.
About the Author(s)
Olayide Oyeleke is an associate at The AR Initiative; where Dr. Emma Etim is the Head of Research.
[1] Yale University (2023). The Libya floods: a climate and infrastructure catastrophe. Available at: https://reliefweb.int/report/libya/libya-floods-climate-and-infrastructure-catastrophe (accessed October 2, 2023)
[2] CNN (2023). More than 5000 are presumed dead in Libya after catastrophic flooding breaks dams and sweeps away homes. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/11/africa/libya-flooding-storm-daniel-climate-intl/index.html (accessed October 2, 2023)
[3] Mostafa Salem et al. (2023). What we know about the floods that killed thousands in Libya. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/13/middleeast/what-we-know-about-libya-floods-intl/index.html (accessed October 2, 2023)
[4] Rosmadi, H. S., Ahmed, M. F., Mokhtar, M. B., & Lim, C. K. (2023). Reviewing Challenges of Flood Risk Management in Malaysia. Water, 15(13), 2390.
[5] Auliagisni, W., Wilkinson, S., & Elkharboutly, M. (2022). Learning from Floods—How a Community Develops Future Resilience. Water, 14(20), 3238.
