Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa: Libya - Flash update #1 - Floods (As of 10 December 2024)

Recent heavy rainfall in Libya has resulted in widespread flooding across several municipalities, impacting communities, infrastructure, and essential services. The most affected areas include Tarhuna, Bani Waleed, Ghiryan, Qasr Akhyar, Ain Zara, Garabolli and Tajoura. Many roads have been rendered impassable, complicating the delivery of aid.

The floods have led to five confirmed casualties – three civilians and two rescue workers from the Emergency and Ambulance Service in Tarhuna – and affected around 667 families in various areas.

Situation Updates:

• In Tarhuna, between 250 and 300 families have been displaced. The floods resulted in the deaths of three civilians whose vehicle was swept away and two rescue workers from the Emergency and Ambulance Service. The Tarhuna Training Hospital sustained heavy damage, rendering it non-functional.

Local authorities, supported by the Ministry of Local Governance (MoLG) and the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), have been working to evacuate families, restore road access, and provide basic necessities such as blankets, mattresses, and psychological support. Several neighborhoods remain cut off. Local authorities also dispatched an urgent medical convoy to support Tarhuna and other flood-affected areas. The convoy includes specialized medical teams, urgent medical equipment, and supplies. The National Development Authority dispatched a rescue convoy to Tarhuna with heavy trucks, water suction tankers, and ambulances.

WHO delivered an urgent shipment of medical supplies to the Tarhuna Combined Clinic. This shipment includes emergency medicines and medical supplies to strengthen the clinic's operational capacity.

• In Bani Waleed, around 150 families have been affected by flooding with damage reported to houses, three schools, and key infrastructure such as roads and bridges. The MoLG and MoSA, conducted initial damage assessments and pledged to repair infrastructure and deliver aid. Many areas remain inaccessible. Livestock losses have further compounded the challenges faced by the community.
• In Ghiryan, the city experienced significant infrastructure damage, particularly to health facilities and essential services. The MoLG is coordinating repairs to the Abu Ziyan Health Center and the Al-Qawasim Rural Hospital, while MoSA has distributed essential supplies to affected families. Some rural roads remain impassable, hampering aid delivery.
• In Qasr Akhyar, 150 families have been affected by the floods. Areas such as Sidi Madi, Al-Rwashdiyah, and Al-Thamanin are completely isolated due to road collapses. The MoLG has called for immediate intervention to clear roads and restore access, but response efforts are delayed by ongoing flooding. MoSA has been involved in planning aid delivery.
• In Ain Zara, flooding from the overflow of Wadi Al-Rabe’a has displaced 100 families. The flooding has been exacerbated by unplanned construction, complicating evacuation efforts. Local authorities, supported by MoLG and MoSA, have begun evacuations and providing essential supplies. However, centralized shelter options are limited.
• Rural areas in Garabolli have witnessed damage to homes and significant livestock losses. Libyan authorities, including MoLG and MoSA, have started damage assessments and are preparing to distribute aid. The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, and logistical challenges remain in reaching all affected communities.
• In Tajoura,17 families have been displaced and need support with NFIs. The situation remains stable in the rest of the city.

OCHA continues to coordinate closely with municipalities, the emergency cell, and authorities to facilitate an effective flood response. Regular updates are shared with partners to ensure alignment, awareness, and a coordinated approach to addressing the needs of affected communities.