Tropical break causes severe weather disturbances in Libya, causing floods and a number of deaths

Arab Weather - Southern Libya witnessed unusually heavy summer rains as a result of the expansion of the tropical break in recent days, which led to torrents that flooded several areas and caused great damage, as the water flooded entire streets and neighborhoods, threatening the lives and property of residents.

Heavy summer rains due to the extension of the tropical break (collapses and communication disruptions in several southern regions)

In detail, the southern regions of Libya witnessed heavy summer rains resulting from the expansion of the so-called tropical break, carrying huge amounts of tropical water vapor, which produced thick thunderclouds accompanied by very heavy rains, leading to torrential floods that submerged entire neighborhoods, causing extensive damage. In the Tahala area located near the Libyan-Algerian border, streets and farms were flooded with flood waters during the past hours, resulting in the death of 3 children, according to what was announced by local authorities on Friday 8/16/2024.

Critical situation in Tahala and flood waters submerge the area

The mayor of Tahala, Ahmed Kleikli, spoke about the critical situation the region is going through, stressing that rainwater has completely flooded all the municipality’s neighborhoods, which requires urgent provision of blankets and tents for those affected.

Infrastructure damage and collapse

In addition, rains and landslides caused the collapse of the Al-Toum border road between the city of Qatrun and Chad and Niger, and the interruption of communications in the areas of Al-Awiniyat, Tahala, Barakat, and Ghat, which further complicated rescue efforts.

In a quick response, the Libyan government assigned by parliament announced the formation of an emergency committee to deal with the catastrophic situation in the city of Ghat, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Salem Al-Zadma, to take all necessary measures to confront the bad weather conditions.

Scientifically: What is the orbital convergence interval that affects southern Libya?

Meteorologists at the Arab Weather Center said that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure area that forms where trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet. This convergence is called "convergence" because it occurs at the point where the trade winds meet.

In southern Libya, this effect can be particularly noticeable during the summer months when the ITCZ is at its northernmost, although it is important to note that the position of the tropical divide changes seasonally, moving north and south based on the angle of the sun. During the summer, the influence of the ITCZ on southern Libya contributes to changing weather patterns, sometimes causing wetter than usual conditions, and an increased likelihood of thunderstorms and rain.

God knows best.