Libya floods investigation puts Derna death toll at 4,540

The Libyan Public Prosecution Authority said it found that “negligence” led to the collapse of the Bilad and Sidi Bou Mansour dams above the coastal city following heavy rains brought by Hurricane Daniel. “The total number of registered deaths recorded in the flood disaster in Derna reached 4,540 people, including 3,964 citizens and 576 foreigners,” the Public Prosecution Authority report said. The investigation also found that the dams had developed cracks and major leaks before their collapse. The prosecution authority said authorities have so far detained 14 people including the mayor of Derna, Abdel Moneim Al Ghaithi, as well officials in the city’s water resources and dams authority who were not named. Many point to the years of conflict that has led to widespread neglect of infrastructure.