Libyan citizens and Maltese nationals currently residing in the war zone are not only battling the terror that has engulfed the region in terms of the infighting that ensued two weeks ago but are also compounded by power cuts and water scarcity in homes.

Libyan and Maltese nationals who spoke to this newsroom said that the situation has escalated in more ways than one: Having to cope with the scarcity of water and no electricity inside their homes along with the sweltering heat.

It is understood that around 100 Maltese nationals are still in Libya. The Maltese government has intensified its efforts to locate and bring over to Malta the remaining Maltese nationals.

Sources said that water and electricity shutdowns have become more frequent than at any time since the chaos after Colonel Gaddafi’s fall.

There are growing dangers to civilians from a large and spreading fire in a fuel depot near this city’s international airport, sparked by fighting in the area between militias armed with heavy weapons.

Reports have also flowed in of vehicles being shot at by rebels with the intention of stealing the vehicles.