Tripoli, Libya – Libya is reeling from catastrophic flooding that began on December 1, 2024, when a series of intense storms triggered the overflow of rivers and caused widespread flooding in several regions, including the capital, Tripoli. This disaster is one of the worst in recent history, with over 100 people confirmed dead and thousands more displaced.

The floods have wreaked havoc on infrastructure, destroying homes, roads, and bridges. Many coastal areas, including parts of the capital, have been submerged, leading to power outages and disruption of essential services. Humanitarian organizations have warned that the situation is becoming increasingly dire, as hospitals and shelters are overwhelmed by the growing number of displaced people.

The Libyan government, already weakened by years of civil war and instability, has declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance. The country’s emergency response capacity has been stretched thin, with much of the infrastructure already in a fragile state due to years of conflict. The National Oil Corporation has warned that oil production could also be affected by the flooding, further exacerbating the country’s economic troubles.

International aid has begun to arrive, with the United Nations and the European Union sending teams to provide emergency relief. However, many remote regions remain cut off due to the destruction of transportation networks.

Environmental scientists are also warning that climate change is exacerbating the severity of natural disasters in the region, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns leading to more extreme weather events. Libya, with its desert landscape, is particularly vulnerable to such shifts.

Sources: Libyan government statements, UN humanitarian agency reports, local witnesses.