On 27 May, torrential rains struck Bir Tahala municipality in the southwestern corner of Libya, causing flash floods in residential neighborhoods. The low-lying areas of al-Ghalaba, al-Khamsin, and the Chinese Company district were particularly hard hit. Approximately 250 families were displaced from several neighborhoods.
On 28 May, rescue teams from the Libyan Red Crescent began field operations immediately after flash floods struck Bir Tahala, assisting affected families. The organization said it continues evacuating stranded residents, delivering urgent relief, and preparing displacement sites to ensure basic needs and safety. It added that this intervention supports local authorities in responding to the disaster and alleviating the suffering of those impacted.
The Higher Emergency Committee raised the level of readiness in Ghat and Bir Tahala, as well as in nearby hospitals and surrounding towns, to prepare for any developments linked to the unstable weather and to ensure rapid response on the ground. The Committee urged residents to avoid valleys and flood channels and to follow safety instructions, stressing that coordination with the relevant authorities is ongoing to monitor weather conditions and respond immediately to any emergency.
On 29 May, other towns in the region, including Ghat, Al-Uwaynat, and al-Birkah, were also hit by thunderstorms and heavy rain, heightening fears among communities near the Algerian border. Authorities cut electricity manually in some areas as a precaution while emergency teams continued evacuations and worked to ensure the safety of displaced families. Communications infrastructure began failing as floodwaters damaged the road connecting Ghat and Bir Tahala.
As floodwaters neared Ghat’s entrances, the mayor warned that the municipality lacks the resources to open shelter centers and that neighbouring areas face similar shortages. Fuel supplies may last only a day, safe drinking water is increasingly scarce, and any new rise in water levels poses an immediate danger. He urgently appealed for broader support, stressing that local capacity is insufficient to prevent the situation from escalating into a major humanitarian crisis.
A complete telecommunications and internet outage occurred in both Ghat and Bir Tahala due to fiber optic cable damage from floodwaters.
The Government of National Stability’s (GNS) Ministry of Health intensified its emergency response to the floods in Ghat and Bir Tahala, activating a full crisis plan and raising alert levels in hospitals and emergency centres. Rapid‑response teams were deployed to monitor conditions and address developments, with authorities stressing continued coordination to protect public health amid ongoing heavy rain and the risk of further flash floods.
A medical convoy arrived from Benghazi via Sabha, Awbari, and Al-Uwaynat carrying medicines, supplies, ambulances, and specialized teams. It immediately began providing treatment, examinations, and urgent health support, while reinforcing local clinics and hospitals with needed equipment.
Government of National Unity (GNU) PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba ordered an immediate response to the floods in Ghat and Bir Tahala, directing the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Water and Sanitation Company to deliver essential aid, support displaced families, and deploy equipment to drain flooded neighborhoods. He also instructed the Emergency Medicine and Support Centre to mobilize medical teams, ambulances, and supplies to provide urgent healthcare in the affected areas.
On 30 May, eleven out of twelve affected telecom sites were restored, with most sites operating on backup VSAT systems. A gradual restoration of services was announced by the various companies.
Libyan National Army (LNA) humanitarian aid flights arrived at Awbari Airport carrying relief supplies for flood‑affected areas in southern Libya. The 105th Infantry Battalion received the shipments and distributed them to residents impacted by the severe floods.
On 31 May, emergency operations continued as humanitarian teams evaluated evolving needs, while maintenance and coordination efforts remained underway to fully repair the damaged fiber‑optic cable and restore normal network services.