On Wednesday, Libya’s Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Osama Hammad, called on citizens and government authorities nationwide to pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Center of Meteorology.
This directive aims to ensure that the public and officials take preventive measures against potential severe weather, minimizing risks and damages.
Prime Minister Hammad emphasized the importance of adhering to daily and periodic weather alerts, noting that advanced preparation is key to reducing the harmful impacts of extreme weather conditions. His message urges all levels of government and the general public to stay vigilant and responsive to weather updates to safeguard lives and property.
Hammad directed the Libyan Media Corporation, along with national television stations, radio broadcasters, and digital platforms, to provide comprehensive coverage on weather conditions to reinforce this effort. He stressed the need to raise public awareness about the effects of climate change, weather fluctuations, and their potential dangers to Libya and its people.
Libya, like many countries, is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, including storms, flooding, and heat waves. These events have strained the country’s infrastructure, affected agriculture, and posed significant risks to public health.
The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these conditions and issuing alerts. However, these warnings require greater attention and action from both the public and government authorities to ensure they are effectively acted upon. Prime Minister Hammad’s directive comes at a time when the need for proactive, preventive measures has never been greater.
In early September 2023, Storm Daniel unleashed heavy rainfall on Libya’s northeastern coast, resulting in catastrophic floods that claimed over 5,900 lives and left more than 43,000 people homeless. The failure of two dams above the city – the first at about 11pm on 10 September, the second closer to 1am on 11 September – unleashed catastrophic amounts of water on the city of Derna.
The Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRCS) was on the ground immediately following the disaster, providing critical emergency aid, including search and rescue operations, first aid, and the distribution of food, water, and shelter materials. Tragically, the disaster also claimed the lives of several Red Crescent volunteers who were working to save others.
