Bad weather with winds and a heavy rainstorm over northwestern Libya, including the Greater Tripoli area, has led to today being announced a public holiday by the Greater Tripoli Municipalities. Drivers in certain regular blackspots, including the Second Ring Road, were forced to abandon their vehicles. Several emergency services, police, army and municipal services, including the Libyan Red Crescent (Cross) literally pulled their sleeves and trousers up to either unblock drains or offer help to stranded citizens and drivers. Many national and local emergency committees announced meetings and the implementation of emergency plans. It also announced that it had to rescue several families and vehicle drivers across the capital throughout overnight operations.

Source: Libya Today March 17, 2026 13:05 UTC