Heavy rains and flash flooding have struck the Libyan towns of Beni Walid and Gharyan, causing widespread damage and disruption. The rains, which began on Friday, September 25, 2026, have resulted in the flow of water in several valleys in Beni Walid, including the Wadi Antar Teninay area south of the town. The flooding has also caused the collapse of a road in the Wadi Antar Teninay area.
The National Center for Meteorology had forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms in several areas of Libya, including the northwest and south. The center warned that the rains could be intense in some areas, including the Jebel Nafusa and Beni Walid regions. The flooding has also affected the town of Gharyan, where a video posted by the "Ruya for Space Sciences" institution showed water flowing in the Al-Ya'atib mountainous area.
The flooding has caused significant disruption to daily life in Beni Walid and Gharyan. In Beni Walid, the flooding has inundated several areas, including the Washtata road. A family was rescued in the Wadi Mqrawa area of Beni Walid. The flooding has also caused the collapse of part of the road linking Teninay and Nisma.
The Libyan Red Crescent has reported that the situation in the affected areas is dire. The organization's teams are working to provide assistance to those affected by the flooding. The Libyan authorities have also deployed teams to assess the damage and provide support to those affected.
The flooding has also raised concerns about the impact on the local infrastructure. In Beni Walid, several areas have been affected, including the collapse of a water bridge in Teninay. The authorities have warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days, with further rains forecast.
The Libyan government has urged citizens to take precautions and stay away from flooded areas. The authorities have also called on citizens to report any damage or losses to the relevant authorities. The international community has offered support and assistance to Libya in the wake of the flooding.
The flooding has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Libya. The country's authorities have faced criticism for their handling of previous natural disasters, and there are concerns that the country is not adequately equipped to deal with such events.
Key points
- Heavy rains and flash flooding have hit Libya's Beni Walid and Gharyan, causing widespread damage and disruption.
- The National Center for Meteorology had forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms in several areas of Libya, including the northwest and south.
- The flooding has caused significant disruption to daily life in Beni Walid and Gharyan, with several areas affected and a family rescued in the Wadi Mqrawa area of Beni Walid.
