Two men died after torrential rain flooded Tripoli, submerging cars and roads. The state electricity company cut power in some areas after water entered homes.
Rain fell for about two and a half hours, Central Tripoli Mayor Fadel Abu Arqub told local television. He described the situation as catastrophic.
At least two men died in the flooding on October 13. One, an employee of Jumhouria Bank, died from an electric shock. The Tripoli Red Crescent said it recovered his body during the floods. A local television station reported rescuers found a second man inside a car completely submerged in floodwater, according to Aaj English.
Floodwater affected roads and homes across several parts of the capital. Vehicles were also submerged, disrupting traffic as Red Crescent teams carried out rescue operations.
Libya's National Company for Water and Wastewater said the rain overwhelmed the city's drainage system. The company cited illegal connections and damaged sewer infrastructure as problems affecting runoff. Stolen manhole covers and vandalism at pumping stations also hampered drainage. The municipality of Souq al-Jumaa declared the area a disaster zone and appealed for urgent government assistance, Saudi Gazette reported.
Municipal and road crews used pumps to clear water and mud from main roads. They also removed debris. The National Meteorological Center had warned the previous day of heavy rain in northern Libya and urged residents near wadis and low-lying areas to take care.
Libya's state-owned General Electricity Company cut power as a precaution in some areas where rising water had reached homes, citing the risk of electric shock. Authorities and utility crews restricted traffic on some roads, including the capital's ring road, to reduce risks to drivers and rescue teams. Separately, Libya's early-warning roadmap sets out plans for an all-hazards system by 2027.
Floodwater damaged buildings and vehicles. Public services were disrupted.
The municipality of Souq al-Jumaa requested urgent assistance. The University of Tripoli postponed exams until Thursday. Local reports also said water entered parts of the central hospital.
