Mayor Mohamed Zamaki of Al-Barkat municipality has reported that four thousand people are stranded due to floods that have hit the area, noting that the municipality is severely lacking in basic services such as electricity and telecommunications.
In statements to the press, Zamaki emphasised that the situation demands urgent intervention from government agencies to provide necessary assistance. He highlighted the urgent need for shelters for those displaced from affected areas, especially in Tahala region, which has seen a significant deterioration in the provision of health services.
The mayor explained that the region lacks essential medical and living necessities, increasing the suffering of displaced families who need healthcare and financial liquidity to meet their needs.
The National Meteorological Centre anticipates heavy rainfall in several south-western regions of the country, especially near the borders, such as Ghat, Al Qatrun, Murzuq, and Traghan, which could lead to further valley runoff and flooding, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in those areas.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
