Torrential rains have brought about widespread flash floods in some parts of western and southwestern Libya, where homes are being flooded and roads damaged as emergency teams are working for the rescue of people and restoration of facilities.
The worst flash flooding is seen in towns like Mizda, Nesma, Al-Shqiqah, Bani Walid, among others, due to heavy rains and overflowing wadis. The Libyan Government of National Unity is responding to the situation by mobilising emergency resources.
Floodwaters Strike Mizda
One of the hardest-hit towns has been Mizda, which is located in a semi-arid region to the south of Tripoli. Flooding affected people and their property, caused landslides, and brought down many electricity poles.
Also, the roads in and around Mizda were flooded. A bridge linking Mizda to Tininai collapsed due to the floods, and the route became inaccessible to rescue teams. People trapped by the flooding, as well as vehicles that got swept away by the floodwater, were reported to the Libyan Ambulance and Emergency Service.
The residents of Mizda have been advised to stay indoors and away from valleys and areas that were flooded.
It was reported locally that one death and five injuries were recorded as a result of the flooding in Mizda. International reports earlier stated that there had been no confirmed deaths by the authorities in the Mizda floods.
Nesma as a Disasters Area
Nesma, which is sometimes spelt as Nasmah according to certain sources, was declared a disaster area due to damage sustained following the rains and floods.
Emergency response units had to evacuate residents from the flooded houses while some people decided to move towards mountains and other elevated areas. The entry point of the municipality was also blocked off.
It was further discovered during an assessment by Libya’s Ministry of Social Affairs that there was damage to several houses in Nesma, most of which were even declared unfit for habitation.
Floods in Bani Walid and other Areas
The floods also hit Bani Walid after rescue teams received reports of individuals stranded inside cars caught up in mud flows.
The road linking Bani Walid and Tarhuna was shut down due to flooding in the area of Wadi Washtata. Emergency teams were also sent to work in the areas of Al-Shqiqah, Al-Qurayyat and elsewhere affected by the floods.
Floods have damaged hundreds of houses in some regions of the Western Mountains. Preliminary government estimates put the number of affected families at 220 in Mizdah, while the areas of Al-Shqiqah and Nesma suffered extensive damage to residential property.
Flood Response Ordered by Dbeibah
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah has asked government bodies to mobilize their resources and respond swiftly to the situation in the affected areas.
They were asked to clear roads of floodwater and ensure restoration of electricity, drinking water and telecommunications. The use of air ambulances to evacuate those requiring treatment was also put on alert.
The Libyan Red Crescent has kept up its emergency operations center to track the situation and conduct humanitarian assessments. Meanwhile, electricity teams are busy repairing the damaged facilities, as power was recently restored in Nesma following emergency repairs.
What Happens Next?
Meanwhile, emergency crews will keep assessing the damage, as weather remains unstable. The National Meteorological Centre of Libya announced new thunderstorms and rainy days in some parts of northwest and southern Libya.
Residents have been told to avoid traveling if possible and to stay away from valleys and flood channels.
More Libya Stories to Read
Can Libya Reach Greater Stability?
Check out the latest political developments before elections.
Who Is Khaled El Hishri?
Find out why ICC charges against him were confirmed.
Can The UN Deal End Deadlock?
Uncover how the new agreement could affect Libya’s political crisis.
Why Did Libya’s Oil Output Drop?
Look into the Sharara pipeline sabotage and its impact.
What Happened Off Libya’s Coast?
See the latest details on the migrant boat tragedy.
