TRIPOLI: Torrential downpours flooded the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Tuesday, killing two people, according to a statement by authorities and a local TV channel.

Jumhouria Bank said an employee died due to an electrical shock. The Tripoli Red Crescent said in a statement it recovered the man’s body during the flooding.

Rescue teams recovered the body of another man from his car, which was submerged in the floodwaters, according to a local TV station.

Fadel Abu Arqoub, the mayor of Central Tripoli, told the TV station that the rain lasted for 2-1/2 hours and that the situation was catastrophic.

The state-owned electricity company said it cut off power as a precaution in certain areas where rising water reached homes.

Eyewitnesses said the floodwaters inundated roads and submerged numerous vehicles.