Rising from the Ruins: Morocco and Libya’s amidst Battle Against Nature’s Wrath and Climate Change
By Adeyemi Adekunle
In the serene days of early September, the world’s attention was abruptly seized by two nations, Morocco and Libya, thrust into the unforgiving glare of the global spotlight. On September 8, Morocco was jolted by its most catastrophic earthquake in decades, while just three days later, Libya found itself engulfed by city-destroying flash floods. These twin tragedies, each leaving behind a heart-wrenching trail of death and devastation, have compelled nations worldwide to extend their hands in solidarity and humanitarian aid. However, beyond the immediate chaos, a subtle yet undeniable connection emerges—a common thread deeply rooted in the looming specter of climate change.
The death toll in both Morocco and Libya continues to Spike with each passing day, and the undeniable influence of climate change becomes increasingly evident. These twin calamities, though separated by vast geographical distances, share a haunting commonality: climate change either contributed to these disasters or may exacerbate their consequences in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Among these calamities, the starkest example of climate change’s sinister role in amplifying natural disasters unfolds in eastern Libya. Here, a cataclysmic deluge of floods swallowed the city of Derna, reducing it to rubble and mercilessly claiming thousands of lives. Storm Daniel, after wreaking havoc in Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, unleashed a torrential downpour on the Libyan coast, saturating the arid soil beyond its meager capacity to absorb.
In the region surrounding Derna, Storm Daniel delivered an astonishing 400 millimeters of rainfall, a stark contrast to the historical average of a mere 1.5 millimeters for the entire month of September. The land, unprepared for this relentless deluge, succumbed to the unyielding pressure, leading to catastrophic consequences. The dams near Derna, ill-equipped to contain the relentless torrent, crumbled under the weight of this unforgiving onslaught, releasing an uncontrollable tide upon the city.
Storm Daniel stands as a chilling testament to climate change’s pervasive influence, an unwelcome harbinger ushering extreme weather events into the realm of the ordinary, not just in North Africa but across the global stage. In contrast, the connection between Morocco’s earthquake and climate change, though less apparent, raises equally pressing concerns.
Morocco, historically susceptible to high-casualty earthquakes, has long grappled with seismic activity throughout its existence. Before the recent earthquake near Marrakesh, which has already claimed over 2,900 lives and continues to climb, the city of Agadir endured a seismic upheaval in 1960 that resulted in a staggering 12,000 to 15,000 fatalities.
Direct correlations between Morocco’s earthquakes and climate change remain elusive. However, the indirect consequences of climate change manifest in the increased frequency of extreme weather events in regions already reeling from the earthquake’s aftermath.
The epicenter of the earthquake primarily impacted isolated rural communities nestled between Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains. Residents in these afflicted villages now voice trepidations regarding shattered rock formations, harboring fears that impending winter floods could sweep this debris downstream, compounding their misery.
Certain regions, such as Ouarzazate Province, have experienced deadly floods in recent years, and extreme weather occasionally assumes unconventional forms. Earlier this year, an unexpected snowstorm blanketed Ouarzazate Province and vast stretches of the Moroccan countryside, choking vital roadways and rendering remote communities inaccessible. As Moroccan towns and villages embark on the arduous journey of post-earthquake recovery, the looming threat of extreme winter weather compounds their challenges, potentially amplifying the already tragic death toll.
The immediate aftermath of these natural disasters has hindered assistance efforts by local authorities and foreign aid agencies alike. In Morocco, the earthquake left key inland roads in the treacherous Atlas region either blocked or shattered, further complicating an already dire situation. Similarly, Storm Daniel severed vital road links in Libya, leaving Derna and neighboring cities, such as Susa, virtually cut off from the outside world.
Amid the relentless devastation, leaders in both Morocco and Libya have faced domestic and international criticism for avoidable issues well within their control. Morocco’s sluggish, top-down approach to disaster management has left earthquake victims disillusioned, with even the revered monarchy facing censure. In the surroundings of Derna, residents point accusatory fingers at the Libyan National Army, the dominant militia and ultimate authority in the area, for their alleged negligence in maintaining the dams that ultimately failed. Meteorologists had issued advance warnings of Storm Daniel’s imminent arrival in Libya, representing a missed opportunity for authorities to undertake more extensive and effective preparations.
Yet, amidst the inevitable destruction and chaos, these twin tragedies in Morocco and Libya serve as a clarion call to North Africa and the global community at large. By critically scrutinizing the errors and inadequacies exposed in these cases, officials, humanitarian organizations, and experts can better equip themselves for the relentless march of future natural disasters, all while acknowledging the enduring presence of climate change—whether it strikes in the heart of Marrakesh, the depths of Derna, or farther afield.
The glimmer of hope amidst these heart-wrenching events lies in the breathtaking display of global solidarity. After years of cultivating a diverse network of allies, Morocco has received pledges of support from nations as distant as Taiwan, all rallying behind the kingdom’s response to the earthquake. Meanwhile,
Turkey, despite its complex web of alliances on the battlefield, dispatched humanitarian aid to regions controlled by the Libyan National Army. As climate change amplifies the frequency of natural disasters, these unlikely coalitions will play a pivotal role in assisting nations as they brace for and recover from the increasingly ferocious onslaught of extreme weather events.
A Nigerian trained investigative journalist, who cover various news beats in Nigeria.
