How floods ravaged Libyan port city

A combination of extreme weather, vulnerable geography and crumbling infrastructure weakened by more than a decade of conflict led to the catastrophic flooding of Derna


Sep 9-12, Storm Daniel: More than 100mm of rain recorded in Derna over three days. Average rainfall for entire September is under 1.5mm


ALGERIA
Tripoli 
LIBYA
Derna
NIGER 
CHAD
EGYPT


Derna: More than 5,300 people killed after flash floods wipe out one quarter of city. Death toll expected to double

Mediterranean Sea

DERNA
Population: 90,000

Derna Dam
Derna’s waterfalls
WADI DERNA

Wadi Derna Dam: Collapse of dam sends water sweeping down valley, overcoming second dam

2km 1.25 miles


Derna is located at end of Wadi Derna valley and surrounded by nearby hills of fertile Jabal Akhdar region 

Bridges washed out
Dam burst
DERNA

Soil, dry and cracked after hot summer, is unable to absorb large amounts of water

Low-lying city is susceptible to flooding

Several structures in lower areas destroyed

Dam burst

South


Sources: Reuters, BBC, UN, OpenStreetMap
Picture: Google Maps 
© GRAPHIC NEWS