A powerful sandstorm struck eastern and southern Libya on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring 15 others in Benghazi.
Authorities reported the injuries ranged from minor to moderate, while a security source confirmed the fatality occurred when a roof collapsed.
The East Libya-based government announced a two-day holiday across affected regions to help citizens cope with the storm’s impact.
Social media showed dramatic scenes of uprooted trees, destroyed fences, and fallen power lines causing widespread outages across Benghazi.
Cars were crushed under fallen trees, while electricity towers collapsed, leaving several neighbourhoods without power for hours.
Local authorities imposed a curfew and closed all shops and commercial activities in eastern and southern cities.
Airports in the affected areas suspended flights temporarily as the low-pressure system swept through Libya.
Residents described the storm as one of the most severe in recent memory, with winds and dust reducing visibility dramatically.
Emergency services worked to clear debris, restore electricity, and assist those injured by the sudden storm.
Officials urged citizens to remain indoors and avoid travel until the sandstorm fully subsided, citing ongoing safety risks.