Libya flash floods: 2,000 feared dead after two dams collapse

Two dams collapsed in Libya after extreme floods, reportedly killing as many as 2,000 people in the North African country. The coastal city of Derna was hit the hardest, with entire colonies being swept away. The city has now been left inaccessible and declared a disaster zone.

The Libyan National Army spokesperson said the water had swept “whole neighbourhoods with their residents into the sea.” Over 5,000 people are currently missing.

The confirmed death toll from the weekend flooding stood at 61 as of late Monday, according to health authorities. However, the tally did not include Derna due to inaccessibility.

Libya remains divided between two rival administrations, one in the east and one in the west, each backed by militias and foreign governments.

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Since a 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed long-time ruler Moammar Gadhafi, Libya has lacked a central government and the resulting lawlessness has meant dwindling investment in the country’s roads and public services and also minimal regulation of private building.

(With AP inputs)