“it is possible that between 15,000 and 20,000 people died,” estimates geopolitologist Jalel Harchaoui

Guest of 19/20 info, Jalel Harchaouigeopolitical scientist specializing in Libya, announces an estimate of the number of deaths in Derna (Syria). “In this town of 100,000 inhabitants, it is possible that between 15,000 and 20,000 people died”explains this specialist who believes that it is comparable to “Hiroshima”. On site, there are 10,000 missing and very little possibility of finding the bodies washed into the sea.

A lack of evacuation

During the night of September 9 to 10, waves of 10 meters water are slaughtered on the city. 72 hours before the disaster, the Libyan meteorological center had alerted. Many deaths could have been avoided according to the UN. Jalel Harchaoui ensures that steps would have “could be put in place”. “We could have only had 3,000 or 4,000 deaths”affirms the geopolitologist who regrets the absence of evacuation. The failure of two dams is believed to be the cause of the disaster. Asked about this, Jalel Harchaoui indicates that there has been no maintenance on the infrastructure since “at least 20 years”.