Libya arrests officials whose neglect caused flood that killed 4,000 people
Those accused and the now-suspended mayor will be detained for abuse of power and mismanaging funds allocated for the reconstruction and development of the city.
Libya police (Credit: Al Arabiya)
Recommended articles
![Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria]")
A powerful storm hit the North African country earlier this month and two dams broke in the mountains above the port of Derna, washing away large areas of the city of around 100,000 people.
Public Prosecutor Al-Siddiq Al-Sour earlier said an investigation had been opened to look into the causes of the collapse, promising to bring those responsible to justice.
Eight of the accused will be detained pending investigation, including the now-suspended mayor of Derna, who faces charges of abuse of power and mismanaging funds allocated for the reconstruction and development of the city.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other officials at the water and dam authorities face charges of mishandling administrative and financial tasks and negligence in not taking precautions against disasters. Since the disaster struck on September 10, conflicting figures have emerged from the politically divided nation about the death toll from the floods.
The eastern government’s emergency committee said on Sunday that 3,868 people have been killed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4,014 people have been reported killed and over 8,500 remain missing.
Two rival governments are vying for power in the oil-rich country, which has been plagued by chaos since the overthrow of dictator Moamer Gaddafi in 2011. One is based in the east and the other in the capital Tripoli.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Nigeria Immigration Service, CG orders investigation into allegations of passport racketeering
Governor Mbah solicits continuous support for families of fallen heroes
Aisha Babangida, NDLEA calls on parents to curb social vices in children
NiMet predicts 3 day dust haze, sunshine across Nigeria
FG releases 11 inmates in 4 custodial centres in Enugu State
AfDB, GGBI partner to strengthen Africa’s green bond market
Enugu Electricity Distribution Company announces 5-day power outage
FG to deploy 100 electric buses for carbon-neutral future
FG approves promotion for 32,361 security, service personnel
Pulse Sports
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Track legend signs mouthwatering deal with luxurious wristwatch brand
Sha'Carri Richardson: World's fastest woman reportedly bags $20,000,000 endorsement deal
She needs a break - Super Falcons coach explains Ashleigh Plumptre's absence from team
Sergio Ramos makes Champions League history 31 years after Daniel Amokachi
Thiago Silva recalls TB fright ahead of Chelsea debut
ADVERTISEMENT
![Israel to release another 42 Palestinian women, children from prison [ndtv]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Israel to release another 42 Palestinian women, children from prison [ndtv]")