Libya flood disaster damaged ancient city but revealed new remains

[October 05, 2023]  By Ayman al-Warfali
 
CYRENE, Libya (Reuters) - The flooding that killed thousands in Libya's Derna last month damaged the ruins at the ancient Greek city of Cyrene in the mountains nearby, but it also revealed new archaeological remains there by washing away earth and stones.  

Aerial view of flood water covering the area as a powerful storm and heavy rainfall hit Shahhat city, Libya, September 11, 2023. REUTERS/Ali Al-Saadi/File photo

Storm Daniel may have caused a meter of rain to fall on the hills of eastern Libya, an unprecedented amount since records began in the mid 19th century scientists say, and water was still flowing through the site when Reuters visited last week.

The flooding caused mud and rubble to pile in Cyrene's Greek-era baths that will require specialized clearing said local antiquities department official Adel Boufjra.

He warned that although the damage so far has been slight, the flooding may have added to subsidence that could later topple one of the monuments.

"I'm pretty sure, and expecting, that one of these landmarks could collapse due to the excessive underground water during the winter," he said.

While that risks great damage to the picturesque ruins at Cyrene, known locally as Shehat and a draw for travelers since the 18th century, the water has also washed clear a previously unknown Roman drainage system, Boufjra said.

"The flooding has revealed a new site - a water canal that I believe dates back to the Roman era. It is a distinctive discovery for the city," he said.

Scientists at the World Weather Attribution, an international research group, said climate change had caused up to 50% more rain during the storm than would previously have been the case - underscoring future risks to heritage.

Cyrene was a Greek colony and one of the principle cities of the ancient Hellenic world before becoming a major centre under the Romans until an earthquake destroyed it in the year 365.

One of Libya's five UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with the extensive Roman ruins overlooking the Mediterranean at Sabratha and Leptis Magna, Cyrene's stone pillared temples stand on a fertile hillside near rocky crags.

(Reporting by Ayman al-Warfali, writing by Angus McDowall, editing by Alexandra Hudson)

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