Derna Visit by Dr. Hassan Sassi, NCUSLR VP
Image of the conceptional design of the proposed Derna Children’s Academy
In talking to members of my family, neighbors, and other relatives I concluded there is a desperate need to help with the recovery and rebuild effort. Below is a summary of my observation from a visit to the city of Derna, Libya during the months of January and February of 2024 to assess the damage caused by Storm Daniel:
Even though we cannot prevent natural causes like rain and floods, we can however stop the man-made causes of a disaster like the breaking of a dam, such as the case in Derna.
The storm not only caused damage to property and loss of life but did a lot of damage to the residents of Derna especially children who lost parents and in some cases many family members.
The Wadi of Derna is not a river and therefore doesn’t qualify for constructing future dam or dams.
The flood has also hampered the environment, damaging crops, trees, and loss of livestock.
There should be future measures to avoid such grave consequences, which means that the authorities and citizens must and should work hand in hand to formulate a master plan to build a New Smart City of Derna.
Children who became “orphaned” need help to recover from their losses. Thus, I propose to design and build a Derna Children’s Academy.
Included herein is a conceptional design of a future home for the children of Derna. Please enjoy the virtual tour below.
The conceptional design has been submitted to the Libyan authorities for funding.
Dr. Hassan Sassi, NCUSLR VP
