Devastating Floods in Libya: Climate Change Impacts and Recovery
School
University Of Connecticut**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
EEB 2244E
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 10, 2024
Pages
2
Uploaded by MegaAnteaterMaster98
Climate change: flooding in LibyaIn September of 2023, Libya experienced one of the worst natural disasters in its history when catastrophic floods hit the city of Derna, caused by the heavy rainfall from Storm Daniel. This storm resulted in the collapse of two dams, and submerged the city. This event caused the deaths of thousands of people. This event is not isolated, as shown by the continuation of flood events before and after 2023. For example, heavy rains caused flooding in the city of Ghat in August of 2024, which also displaced thousands of people. Flash floods are particularly devastating because there is little to no time to prepare for the occurrence, resulting in more people being affected. There is evidence that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, which includes storms and floods. According to the IPCC 2021 report, Mediterranean countries are expected to see more intense rainfall events due to climate change. More rainfall translates to an increase in flash floods, which is already evident in Libya. The reason for this is that the warmer oceans provide more moisture to storms, and the higher temperatures increase the chances of extreme weather patterns. Libya's rebuilding efforts include Temporary shelters, food aid, and medical assistance immediately after a flood event. The Libyan government and its partners have also initiated recovery programs to repair damaged infrastructure. This includes the rebuilding of bridges, roads, and dams. With new and stronger dams, it is unlikely that an event as catastrophic as the floods in 2023 will occur again. Efforts are also being made to clean up floodwaters and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases in the affected areas. Although Libya is strengthening infrastructure and providing resources to displaced families, it does not prevent the increasing trend in the amount of rainfall from storms. In order for the increase in rainfall in mediterranean countries to be reversed, the root of the problem needs to be addressed, which is climate change. Climate change does not only increase the chance of flooding, but also can cause the melting of ice caps, rising sea levels, and causes droughts in some areas. This issue needs to be addressed globally in order for the progression of climate change to be reduced, as there is not only one region of the world that causes climate change. One way to do this is by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
Linkshttps://dtm.iom.int/reports/libya-floods-ghat-flash-update-2-23-august-2024https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/10/libya-slow-flood-recovery-failing-displaced-survivors#:~:text=On%20September%2010%2C%202023%2C%20heavy,scale%20destruction%20in%20eastern%20Libya.https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/14/world/middleeast/libya-floods-derna.html