Analysis - More than 11,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands are missing following the catastrophic dam collapse in the eastern Libyan city of Derna on 12 September. The dam collapse came after an extreme storm, Storm Daniel, slammed into the north African country. The Conversation Africa's Moina Spooner asked water resources and engineering expert Nadhir Al-Ansari, who has researched the design and safety of dams, to provide insights into the disaster.
How does extreme weather affect the stability of dams?
Aside from how the dam is constructed, there should be safety provisions in place. For instance, in cases of storms, the engineers should release the water to ensure that a dam's maximum carrying capacity is not exceeded. Yes, if the responsible people operating the dam had opened the gates to release water. When those responsible for the water management of the dam ignore heavy rainfall then one can expect such disasters to occur.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Libya: Nearly 300,000 Children Affected in Libya After Storm Daniel Devastates Entire CommunitiesBeyond the immediate risks of death and injury, the severe floods in Libya put children at increased risk of waterborne diseases, displacement and loss of essential services
Read more »
Libya: Floods in Libya - Civil War Compounds DevastationClimate change is partly responsible for the floods that have devastated Libya, but the legacy of civil war, political chaos and corruption have exacerbated the impact. Observers say aid is desperately needed.
Read more »
Libya: 'Anything Would Help' - Benghazi Doctor Calls for Aid After Libya Flood Catastrophe'Everyone is still in shock. We still haven't had time to process our emotions.'
Read more »
Libya floods: what caused them and why are they so bad?A catastrophic flood has killed thousands of people in the eastern Libyan city of Derna, sweeping away entire neighbourhoods with their residents and washing many bodies out to sea. Thousands of people are missing.
Read more »
Jagersfontein mine dam disaster: One year later, what has been done?The mining company has been criminally charged for the Jagersfontein disaster, but decanting the unstable structure only started last month.
Read more »
Libya, Morocco death toll nears 9 000 as rescuers comb wreckageThe two disasters, days apart, created logistical and humanitarian nightmares for the respective governments and cast an unwelcome spotlight on the effect of years, if not decades, of neglect in some regions.
Read more »