Torrential rains have caused severe flooding in several towns in western Libya, cutting electricity and water supplies and trapping residents in mudflows.
The flooding occurred overnight on Friday following heavy rainfall in areas where such downpours are uncommon.
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah ordered authorities to immediately mobilise resources to affected communities to ensure a rapid response, his office said.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed residents trapped in vehicles and others attempting to escape the mudflows.
In Mizda, a town of fewer than 30,000 people about 180 kilometres south of Tripoli, the floods caused widespread power outages after several electricity poles collapsed.
Municipal spokesman Omar Kachaka told local television that the town also suffered other damage, including landslides.
Rescue teams in the Bani Walid area, about 170 kilometres south of Tripoli, worked to rescue residents trapped in vehicles swept away by the mudflows.
In Nasmah, about 150 kilometres south of Tripoli, Mayor Ahmed al-Sid declared the municipality a disaster zone following extensive damage caused by the rainfall.
Dbeibah said he was closely monitoring the situation and directed authorities to clear affected roads and restore electricity, drinking water and telecommunications services.
Authorities have not reported any deaths in connection with the flooding.
Africanews
