In the arid landscapes of Libya, a coastal town, renowned for its bone-dry desert terrains, is now grappling with an unprecedented challenge.
An enigmatic upsurge of groundwater has transformed this serene sanctuary into a scene of chaos. Homes and fields, once symbols of resilience amidst the harsh climatic conditions, are now inundated.
A Desert Oasis Overwhelmed
MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images
The townspeople, who had mastered the art of thriving in a desert, find themselves ill-equipped to handle this sudden deluge.
Walls have cracked and collapsed under the pressure of stagnant water and squishy mud that have overtaken streets and palm groves around the northwestern town of Zliten.
Many locals have fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby cities or relatives' houses. Some have stayed behind, hoping to salvage what they can from their belongings or crops. But their efforts seem futile, as the water level shows no sign of receding.
The groundwater upsurge is not just a structural menace but also an environmental catastrophe. The foul smell emanating from the stagnant waters is indicative of a deeper underlying issue - it has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Experts from Tripoli have been summoned to assess this crisis that extends beyond immediate structural damage to homes and fields.
The environmental repercussions are feared to be long-lasting; an echo of distress that might reverberate across generations.
According to the experts, the groundwater upsurge is likely caused by a combination of factors, such as climate change, overexploitation of aquifers, and seismic activity.
The town of Zliten lies on the edge of the Great Man-Made River, a massive network of pipes and wells that pumps water from underground reservoirs to supply the country's urban and agricultural needs.
The experts suspect that the groundwater upsurge is a result of a rupture in the pipes or wells, causing the water to leak and seep into the surface.
The leakage could also contaminate the groundwater with chemicals or pollutants, posing a threat to the health and safety of the residents and the environment.
Authorities are working on finding a solution to stop the leakage and drain the excess water. However, they face many challenges, such as the lack of resources, equipment, and security in the war-torn country.
They also have to deal with the resistance and distrust of some locals, who believe that the groundwater upsurge is a divine blessing or a natural phenomenon.
A Town in Limbo
The groundwater upsurge has left the town of Zliten in a state of limbo. The residents are unsure of their future, whether they will be able to return to their homes, restore their livelihoods, or adapt to a new reality. Some are hopeful that the situation will improve, while others are pessimistic and angry.
One of the affected locals is Mohamad Ali Dioub, the owner of a farm some four kilometers from Zliten. He has lost his apple, apricot, and pomegranate trees to the flooding.
He says that he has invested a lot of money and effort in his farm, and now he has nothing left. He blames the government for neglecting the town and failing to provide any assistance or compensation.
Another local is Fatima Al-Zawi, a mother of three children. She has moved to her sister's house in Misrata, a city about 160 kilometers away from Zliten.
She says that she misses her home and her neighbors, but she is afraid to go back. She worries about the health risks of living in a flooded area, especially for her children. She hopes that the experts will find a way to fix the problem and make the town safe again.
The groundwater upsurge has disrupted the lives and dreams of many people in Zliten. It has also exposed the fragility and vulnerability of the town and the country, which are already suffering from political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest. The groundwater upsurge is a silent crisis that demands urgent attention and action.
