On the 5th and 6th of December 2024, the northwestern regions of Libya were hit by a severe weather event, marked by intense fluctuations in weather patterns. Strong winds exceeding 70 km/h and torrential rains affected various areas, causing widespread flooding and disruption. The extreme weather conditions were driven by an air depression at 1007 hPa, which had settled over the northwestern part of Libya. The event coincided with the impact of an upper atmospheric depression at 500 hPa, propelled by a strong northwesterly jet stream. The combination of these meteorological factors contributed to the severity of the storm.
In particular, the heavy rainfall resulted in significant flooding in areas like Al-Qarbouli, Khallat Al Furjan, and El-Hadba Al-Khadra, where rain totals reached between 142 mm and 155 mm. Other regions, such as Osadn Garian and Tamina Misurata, saw 129 mm of rain, while the rest of the affected areas experienced rainfall amounts ranging from 40 mm to 116 mm. The heavy downpours led to the closure of vital roads, including the highway in Tripoli, as well as the flooding of valleys in the southern parts of the city and surrounding regions like Tarhuna, Benwlid, and Zliten. The deluge submerged homes, hospitals, and other infrastructure, while roads were made impassable by soil drifting and floodwaters.
Tragically, the storm claimed several lives. Two emergency responders were swept away by floodwaters in Benwlid, while three members of a family drowned in Tarhuna. In Garian, a non-Libyan national died after being electrocuted. The storm’s powerful winds also wreaked havoc, downing buildings and trees in its path, further exacerbating the damage. Despite the scale of the disaster, local authorities responded swiftly. On December 3, the National Meteorological Centre (NMC) had issued an early warning, alerting the public and various sectors about the impending severe weather. The NMC updated its warnings multiple times in the days leading up to the event, urging caution.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the government activated an Emergency and Preparedness Room to coordinate relief efforts. The swift action by authorities helped mitigate the impact, but the extent of the damage highlighted the vulnerability of the region to such extreme weather events. As recovery efforts continue, the event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of weather forecasting and preparedness in regions prone to severe weather phenomena.
