Hours after Libya floods, looters came looking for cash and gold

Libyan soldiers have arrested up to 20 people

Libyan soldiers, arriving in Derna after severe flooding, encountered not only devastation but also looters looking for valuables.As Derna was engulfed by following dam breaches during heavy rains from Storm Daniel, thousands perished, and neighborhoods were obliterated. In the aftermath, Libyan National Army (LNA) soldiers arrested about 20 individuals for looting and detained them in Derna's central prison, although it's uncertain if shots were fired or if anyone was killed.

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Some local residents and NGO workers confirmed the arrests, and although shots were fired, we couldn't confirm casualties.Derna, a predominantly middle-class city, is known for its close-knit community, and looters appeared to have knowledge of where wealthier individuals resided. This led to suspicions of foul play.

The focus of the looters seemed to be on those who lived near the Derna Valley, which many believed was a deliberate effort to exploit the catastrophe. Volunteers assisting with recovery efforts observed looters entering people's homes and leaving with cash and gold.

Looting during a disaster is viewed with great disapproval, as it preys on the vulnerable and grieving. While some may argue they were searching for valuables to return to the families of the deceased, the approach was far from respectful.

As volunteers continued to recover bodies and belongings, any valuables found, such as cash and gold, were handed over to the military. A system of documentation was established to match these items with the addresses of the homes in which they were discovered.

The devastation caused by the flash floods in Derna has raised questions about how the authorities handled the disaster, particularly as the death toll continues to rise and many remain missing. The destruction, lack of coordination, and response in the wake of the disaster have all come under scrutiny, despite international relief efforts.

The aftermath of the floods has left tens of thousands homeless, facing the risk of waterborne diseases and severe shortages of essentials like clean water, food, and supplies. Despite these challenges, some residents have returned to their heavily damaged homes to recover what little they can.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, questions remain about how to address the needs of those who have lost so much, and how to prevent such devastation in the future.

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