Search for 10,000 missing continues after catastrophic flooding in eastern Libya
PBS NewsHourSep 30, 2023
The Facts
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is leading the rescue efforts in Libya after devastating floods ripped through the country earlier this month, has warned that unexploded ordnances from years of conflict pose a risk to recovering the deceased.
On Sept. 10, Storm Daniel brought record-breaking downpours to Libya's coastal city of Derna, causing the collapse of two aging dams and flash floods. The total number of deaths is still yet to be confirmed, while rescue work is reportedly being hampered due to political divisions in the country.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Until the international community comes together to assist Libya in achieving a democratic path quickly, Libyans will remain victims of armed violence and torture at the hands of opposing militia groups. Besides, the West must dedicate resources to the search and disarmament of landmines and ordnances to prevent further deaths in the war-torn country.
Establishment-critical narrative
The West is responsible for the absence of functioning democratic institutions in Libya. Without outside support, the country wouldn't be as divided and unstable as it is today. The Libyans are paying the price for depending on the international community — which not only backed the warring sides in Libya's civil war but also dumped troves of unexploded munitions on its soil — to fix its armed conflict and humanitarian needs.
