The Northwestern Regions of Libya Affected by Severe Weather Event on 5 & 6 December 2024
Strong weather fluctuations accompanied by strong winds exceeding 70 km/h and very heavy rains affected the northwestern regions of Libya on 5 & 6 / 12 / 2024 as a result of the air depression at 1007 hPa, which was centered towards the northwestern part of Libya. It was coincided with the impact of the air depression in the upper atmosphere at 500 hPa, which was driven by strong
northwesterly jet stream. The heavy rains led to floods in some regions, where amounts of rain ranged from 142 to 155 mm in Al-Qarbouli and Khallat Al Furjan and 129 mm in El-Hadba Al-Khadra, Osadn Garian and Tamina Misurata, whereas the remaining amounts were mostly between 40 and 116 mm.
The heavy amounts of rain also led to the closure of the highway in Tripoli and the flow of valleys in its southern part and in Al-Qarbouli, Tarhuna, Garian, Benwlid and Zliten. The floods submerged some houses and hospitals and caused soil drifting on some roads. Two people from the Emergency and Rescue Authority were swept away by the valley in Benwlid, three people from one family drowned in Tarhuna, and one person of non-Libyan nationality died of electric shock in Garian. Some buildings and trees in some regions were blown down by the strong wind.
Before the occurrence of the weather fluctuations, the National Meteorological Centre ( NMC ) issued and disseminated an early warning to the public sectors and via the media on 3 / 12 / 2024 at 11:17 a.m. urging them to take more care and caution. The NMC updated the issued early warning more than once. Simultaneously, the Government formed an Emergency and Preparedness Room.
