Überflutungen an der Mittelmeerküste
Hintergrund
In September 2023, storm Daniel caused a severe flooding crisis in the region around Derna, a coastal city in Libya, North Africa. Satellite images captured the extent of the disaster, showcasing large areas submerged under water, the change in the vegetation and the increased sediment load of the sea water after the event.
The heavy rainfall associated with this event was unprecedented, with rainfall levels surpassing 200 millimeters in just 48 hours. This led to the collapse of two dams regulating the water flow in the upstream part of the valley. The city’s inadequate infrastructure and urban planning exacerbated the situation, making it more susceptible to flooding.
The flooding in Derna was particularly devastating, with more than 30% of the city inundated by floodwaters and many buildings destroyed. This equated to approximately 15 square kilometers of land affected. Several thousand casualties were the consequence.
While it is not possible to attribute the event to climate change directly, it has played an important role in this flooding event. Rising global temperatures have led to more extreme weather patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall in many areas, including Derna.
