12 officials have been sentenced for their involvement in causing a destructive flood in Libya.


Twelve Libyan officials have been found guilty and sentenced for their involvement in a catastrophe that claimed thousands of lives and devastated eastern Libya, according to the country's chief prosecutor. The disaster, triggered by the collapse of two dams after heavy rainfall, led to significant destruction in the city of Derna and the surrounding areas, displacing nearly 45,000 people and affecting 1.5 million individuals, roughly 22% of Libya's population. The convicted individuals, responsible for managing the country's dams, including the general manager of a government fund and Derna's mayor at the time, were handed prison terms ranging from nine to 27½ years and fined. Some were also instructed to refund money obtained through corrupt means. However, the verdict did little to satisfy the public's demand for accountability, as many hold Libya's top leaders responsible for enabling corruption, neglect, and mishandling the disaster response. The international bodies estimated the damages and economic losses at over $1.6 billion, with over 18,500 homes damaged or destroyed. Despite almost a year passing since the disaster, the reconstruction efforts have been slow, leaving most of the displaced population still residing in temporary housing or without homes to return to.



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