Two members of Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service went missing while assisting in flood rescue operations in Wadi Washtata, north of Bani Walid. The pair, identified as Haitham Al-Ayah and Malik Al-Deeb, were swept away by strong currents as they travelled to support teams in Tarhuna.
The incident also saw three vehicles submerged in the flooded valley, including two belonging to the ambulance service and one from the Bani Walid branch of the Red Crescent Society. Local authorities successfully rescued three citizens from drowning in the area, where heavy rain caused significant flooding.
Intense rainfall has affected several areas in northwestern Libya since Thursday evening, inundating regions such as Bani Walid, Tarhuna, Misrata, and parts of the capital, Tripoli.
The National Centre for Meteorology issued warnings about the risk of flash floods, elevated water levels in low-lying areas, and isolated flood events. However, it forecasted improved weather conditions starting Sunday.
The Head of the Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Authority in Bani Walid, Mohamed Abu Al-Niran, has issued a stark warning about the potential closure of the service due to severe resource shortages and neglect by the relevant authorities.
In a televised statement, Abu Al-Niran expressed his concerns:
“We may be forced, with deep regret, to shut down due to a complete lack of resources and ongoing negligence by the responsible bodies. We have not received any support from the Libyan state that would enable us to continue operating and may have to close at any moment.”
Highlighting the challenges, Abu Al-Niran explained that the authority lacks essential equipment to address weather emergencies, following warnings issued by the National Center of Meteorology. He added that the service is operating with only three functioning ambulances, while many vehicles remain out of service and in urgent need of repair.
He emphasized that the authority also lacks desert vehicles, safety tools, uniforms, bedding, and basic supplies, leaving drivers without the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
Despite its limitations, the Ambulance and Emergency Authority serves around 140,000 people across a geographically vast area, including three municipalities.
