Storms hit Libya in another challenge for the fragile state

In recent days, Libya has been hit by severe weather, adding another challenge for a country still deeply divided and politically fragile.

Authorities in Tripoli declared a public holiday on March 17 after heavy rain and strong winds caused flooding across parts of the city, as reported by Libya Observer. The National Meteorological Centre warned residents in western regions, particularly in Tripoli and surrounding areas, to remain indoors overnight as severe weather persisted.

A teenager was electrocuted and killed by a downed power line while attempting to rescue people trapped in floodwaters in Tripoli’s Tajoura district. Honoured as a national hero, his death was mourned by local authorities and the Ministry of Interior.

The Emergency and Ambulance Authority raised its level of preparedness across western Libya on March 17. According to spokesperson Osama Ali, the measures include deploying emergency teams near valleys and flood-prone areas, although no specific hotspots have been identified.

Following the incident, the Minister of Local Government and head of the Government Emergency and Rapid Response Team, Abdelshafi Al-Juwaifi, chaired an emergency meeting with senior officials, including representatives from the health and water sectors, to assess the impact of the storm and coordinate response efforts, according to Libya Herald.

The problems, however, began earlier in the week. On March 16, heavy rainfall flooded several streets in Al-Zawiya, disrupting traffic and leaving vehicles stranded, as reported by Libya Review.

Attention is now turning to whether the administrative system in western Libya, led by the Government of National Unity, will be able to cope with the ongoing emergency. The resilience of the healthcare system will be particularly crucial. On February 14, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah described the sector as the country’s “most problematic” while launching a 100-day reform program.

Libya’s deep political divisions further complicate the situation. The country remains split between rival authorities in the east and west, which rarely cooperate and often obstruct each other. In extreme situations such as the current weather crisis, this fragmentation risks leading to poor coordination and increased danger for civilians.

Despite repeated calls from the United Nations to advance the political roadmap presented by Hanna Serwaa Tetteh in August 2025, aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement and national elections, progress remains stalled. On February 18, Tetteh warned that there had been “no meaningful progress” between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.

Libya Observer, Libya Review, Libya Herald, Maghrebi.org