On Monday, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Libyan House of Representatives, Youssef Al-Agouri, called for intensified national and international efforts to combat the devastating effects of recent floods in Libya’s western region.
Expressing solidarity with affected communities, particularly in Tarhuna and Gharyan, Al-Agouri emphasized the urgent need to support those impacted, particularly given Libya’s crumbling infrastructure.
Al-Agouri highlighted the pressing need to prioritize climate change and its growing impact on the Mediterranean region, urging immediate action to mitigate future disasters.
He proposed a comprehensive national plan, including the establishment of effective early warning systems, revising building and urban planning standards, empowering the National Safety Authority, and enhancing international cooperation to leverage neighboring countries’ expertise in emergency responses.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and those affected by the floods, describing the crisis as a national challenge that requires solidarity at all levels to protect citizens and strengthen Libya’s disaster response capabilities.
Reflecting on the catastrophic Storm Daniel last year, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life in eastern Libya, Al-Agouri stressed the importance of learning from past disasters to ensure better preparedness in the future. He reiterated that this requires not only immediate relief efforts but also long-term planning to improve the country’s resilience against natural disasters.
The ongoing floods underscore Libya’s vulnerabilities, particularly its outdated infrastructure and lack of preparedness for extreme weather events. With the increasing threat posed by climate change, Libya must act decisively to address these challenges and prioritize sustainable development that protects its citizens and strengthens its infrastructure.
