The town of Mizda in Libya is facing exceptional circumstances due to heavy rainfall and floods that have swept through several areas, resulting in the town being surrounded and cut off from the rest of the cities and regions. The local authorities have declared a state of emergency and are working to deal with the consequences of the weather conditions. According to Mizda Mayor Jamal Kabashi, several homes within the municipality have been affected by the floodwaters.
Mayor Kabashi stated that the municipality's teams are monitoring the situation on the ground, with continued heavy rainfall. He initially reported no casualties or damage but later confirmed that one person was injured when trapped under a car, and three people went missing in the outskirts of the municipality due to the floods that reached the area. The municipality has called for urgent support from the Ministry of Local Government and the Crisis Committee.
The municipality requires immediate assistance, including heavy machinery and equipment to deal with floodwaters in the valleys and to open or close hazardous routes as the situation develops. Kabashi also requested fuel for machinery and water suction trucks, especially with several fuel stations in the area shut down due to flood damage. The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of the floods.
In a related development, the Mizda Distribution Circle announced a precautionary power outage across the entire area, as floodwaters approached the main power lines and cables with a voltage of 11 kilovolts exiting the 66-kilovolt Mizda station. The power outage aims to protect citizens and electrical equipment from electrocution risks and prevent significant damage.
The Ministry of Local Government has instructed local authorities to take urgent measures to address the consequences of the rain and floods, granting the mayor the necessary powers to intervene and use emergency funds to protect lives and property. Citizens are advised to stay away from electrical wires, poles, and installations, as well as areas where water accumulates and flows.
The Libyan authorities are working to respond to the crisis, with a focus on providing support to those affected and restoring essential services. The situation in Mizda remains challenging, with ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the floods and ensure public safety. The town's isolation has raised concerns about access to essential services and the well-being of residents.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Libyan authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks. The international community is also offering support to Libya in its efforts to respond to the crisis and mitigate the effects of the floods.
Key points
- Three people have been reported missing in Mizda due to the floods.
- The town of Mizda has been isolated due to floodwaters and power outages.
- The Libyan authorities have declared a state of emergency in Mizda and are working to respond to the crisis.
