A downpour of heavy rainfall and thunderstorm has broken out at the south western region of Libya.

The rainfall commenced on the 28 May 2019 and escalated on the 2nd of June.

According to the local counterparts, over 20,000 people have been affected by the floods and an estimated 2,500 have been displaced to nearby areas.

Most of the affected families are hosted with relatives or sheltered in three schools habilitated by the municipality.

Human casualties have been reported. To date, four died (including three children and one adult) and 30 people suffered minor injuries.

The municipality of Ghat has been seriously affected, including: Silila, Ta’ala, Ghat, Albakat, Saya, Alfiywat, Al-Sharika and Al-Siniyah.

The rainfall and thunderstorm are anticipated to continue, decreasing in intensity in the coming days.

The water levels have not receded and vary between 0.5 to 2 meters depending on the area.

The municipality activated the Emergency Cell consisting of local authorities, police and the Libyan Red Crescent.

Serious bulldozing of infrastructure and farmland vital for livelihoods were reported.

Ghat hospital was partially flooded, with service provision being victim.

The Emergency Cell reported displaced persons in remote locations who might need temporary accommodation, but numbers are still to be confirmed.

Based on the magnitude of damage, they estimate that IDPs will be able to gradually return home within a month’s time.