Tobruk is in crisis after unprecedented torrential rains flooded streets, damaged homes, and disrupted daily life. The heavy rainfall began late Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning, leaving low-lying areas submerged and major roads impassable.
For his part, the Mayor of Tobruk Faraj Bu Al-Khatabiya announced the formation of an emergency response committee involving local authorities, the Red Crescent, the Scouts Association, and other security and military bodies. A separate committee has also been established to assess the damage and coordinate compensation for affected residents.
The floods led to the evacuation of 25 homes, with four suffering extensive damage. Some displaced families were provided temporary accommodation in local hotels. The Red Crescent’s Tobruk branch confirmed they had rescued stranded families in the Al-Hattiyah neighborhood.
In addition to the disruptions in residential areas, the floods forced the closure of the Tobruk–Ajdabiya desert road, bringing transportation to a halt. Mayor Bu Al-Khatabiya declared Sunday a public holiday to prioritize public safety and allow emergency crews to address the crisis.
The mayor highlighted the risks posed by unregulated construction in non-urban areas, which exacerbates damage during such extreme weather. Coordination is underway with government authorities to ensure compensation for affected families.
This incident underscores the urgent need for improved urban planning and drainage infrastructure in Tobruk to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
