A tragic incident has shaken the city of Bani Walid, Libya, as one paramedic lost his life and another remains missing after being swept away by powerful flash floods in Wadi Washtatah. The floods occurred on Friday while the two emergency responders were en route to support rescue teams in Tarhuna.
The Emergency and Ambulance Service in Bani Walid confirmed the death of Hytham Gaith Al-Ahouri, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own.
In a heartfelt statement, the service extended condolences to Al-Ahouri’s family and colleagues, praying for his acceptance among martyrs. Meanwhile, the search continues for Malik Saad Al-Dabeeb, the second paramedic involved in the tragedy, as rescue teams battle challenging weather conditions to locate him.
The paramedics had been deployed to assist areas affected by severe weather when their vehicle was overwhelmed by the force of the flash floods. The incident underscores the risks faced by Libya’s emergency responders, who often operate under difficult conditions to help communities affected by natural disasters.
This tragic event comes amid Libya’s ongoing struggle with extreme weather, which has become increasingly severe in recent years. It follows the devastating impact of Storm Daniel in September 2023, which caused widespread destruction, particularly in the eastern city of Derna. Thousands of lives were lost in that disaster, with entire neighborhoods swept away by floods after two dams collapsed.
Years of political instability and inadequate infrastructure have left Libya ill-prepared for such disasters. Emergency services face significant challenges, including insufficient resources and fragmented governance, making it difficult to respond effectively to crises. The loss of Al-Ahouri highlights the sacrifices made by first responders, who risk their lives to protect and serve their communities.
This tragedy has renewed calls for stronger disaster preparedness measures in Libya. Improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and enhanced training for emergency responders are essential to reducing the risks posed by extreme weather events.
As Libya continues to face the growing impact of climate change, the courage of its emergency workers stands as a reminder of the urgent need for action to safeguard vulnerable communities.
