Massive floods sweep through eastern Libya

Major floods swept through Libya's eastern region after heavy rains struck on Friday, November 6, 2020, resulting in considerable damage to houses, cars, and public infrastructure. About 10 million Libyan dinars or 7 million dollars have been allocated to deal with the damages in Al-Bayda municipality.​ A two-day holiday from Monday to Tuesday, November 9 to 10, was declared as affected areas remain flooded. 

Authorities said blocked sewers caused floodwaters to enter houses and public facilities, including a hospital in the city center.

The municipal council declared a two-day official holiday beginning Monday, November 9, as the streets remain inundated. The interior ministry warned citizens and motorists to take caution on public roads.

In a statement on Sunday, November 8, the ministry announced a heightened state of alert in all departments of the National Safety Authority (NSA) and emergency services. Police officials remain on standby in case of emergency and to facilitate traffic movement.

Health Minister Dr. Saad Agoub issued urgent instructions to all emergency departments and health services to provide people with necessary health care.

Meanwhile, the head of the steering council of the Municipality of Tobruk, Faraj Boukhatabia, set up an emergency room– including the municipal guard, social affairs agency, NSA, and Red Crescent to accommodate calls from people.

In Al-Bayda, the presidential council has allocated an amount of 10 million Libyan dinars or 7 million dollars to provide all the urgent requirements to deal with the situation in the municipality.

Featured image credit: chave weather/YouTube