Pakistan Meteorological Department

• 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.

How does extreme weather affect the stability of dams?

• For instance, in cases of storms, the engineers should release the water to ensure that a dam’s maximum carrying capacity is not exceeded.
• The engineer responsible for the dam should have made sure the water did not exceed the dam’s upper carrying capacity.
• In Libya’s case, bad management appears to have been the cause of the dam’s collapse.

Could this tragedy have been avoided?

• When those responsible for the water management of the dam ignore heavy rainfall then one can expect such disasters to occur.
• Dam managers should also know each dam’s catchment area and how much rainfall is forecast.

How do engineers and authorities typically monitor the structural integrity of dams?

• All countries with dams, whether in the US, Iraq or Sweden, have regular inspections.
• There should be instruments for monitoring cracks in a dam’s walls and any changes in its structure.

Are there emerging technologies or innovations to improve safety?

• Planning for extreme weather events is usually done at the design stage of the dam.
• The designer is meant to give a thorough report on the stability of the dam against various factors, including weather.
• Different scenarios are given according to the water level in the reservoir of the dam to prevent dam failure.

• The report reveals that natural disasters caused a $313 billion global economic loss during the 12-month period under review - 4 percent above the 21st-century average - $132 billion of which was covered by insurance.
• The report also highlights that approximately 31,300 people lost their lives due to global natural catastrophe events in 2022.
• 75 percent of global insured losses were recorded in the United States, which was higher than the average of 60 percent.
• Widespread hailstorms in France contributed to the second-highest natural disaster payouts for the country on record of €6.9 billion ($7.4 billion).

• Official statistics show that since mid-June, more than 1,000 people have been killed by heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan.
• In these tough times, all Chinese people hold the same belief that "a friend in need is a friend indeed," and the same is true for Pakistani people.
• "Batie," meaning "iron brother Pakistan," is used by the Chinese as a nickname for the steadfast bonds of friendship between China and Pakistan.
• China will stand together with Pakistan and assist it in coping with floods and rebuilding homes.