Sabha International Airport has announced a suspension of flight operations due to the extensive damage caused by recent heavy rainfall in the city. The airport confirmed that both the passenger terminals and the check-in system have been affected.
The heavy rains that swept through Sabha have led to severe disruptions, prompting authorities to halt operations until the necessary repairs can be made to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
The airport’s management is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and working on restoring normal operations as soon as possible.
This suspension is expected to cause delays in both domestic and international flights, and travelers are advised to monitor updates for further information.
The Libyan Government-designate, led by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, has called on citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling between cities in the south due to heavy rainfall.
In a statement released on Sunday, the government announced that Hammad has instructed authorities to swiftly respond to the crisis caused by torrential rain in Sabha and its surrounding areas. The heavy rains have led to severe flooding, power outages, and casualties, including both deaths and injuries.
The government urged residents to heed previous warnings and to be vigilant, especially when traveling through regions close to valleys and flood-prone areas in the south.
Forecasts predict further deteriorations in weather conditions, with continued heavy rainfall expected in the coming days.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country 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 both the global oil market and Libya’s own 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 Libya must address.
