Derna, a City Brimming with Potential Pays a High Price and Triggers Collective Awakening
Derna, the East Libyan city and the recent subject of countless media headlines has witnessed a surreal tragedy. Derna triggered a deep awakening that can’t be left in the margins. On September 11th, massive floods caused entire neighborhood to be dragged into the sea. Thousands of families disappeared in an instance, with all their stories, memories, anticipations, love, and histories. Derna’s floods have been the source of immense grief and anger, not only because of the tremendous loss, but also because this loss could’ve been prevented. The primary cause of the flood is climate change; a significant existential threat that demands urgent global action. However, the collapse of the two dams that were in need of urgent renovation could’ve prevented the floods from submerging the city. A budget of up to 2 million USD was allocated to renovate the dams which was ignored by Libyan leaders who were preoccupied with conflict, divisiveness, and political disorder.
But Derna has spoken. Hundreds went out in protests, both from Derna and from all over Libya, speaking up against the long-term neglect of the city’s infrastructure. A renewed view of Libya as a unity, which was prominent in Libyan collective consciousness during the revolution of 2011, also re-emerged. Libyans from both East and West…
