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Libya warns of 'humanitarian disaster' over fuel fire Second Libyan fuel tank catches fire in Tripoli
(about 5 hours later)
Libya has requested international assistance to put out a fire at a large fuel storage site in Tripoli that was hit by a rocket during militia clashes. A second fuel tank in the Libyan capital Tripoli has caught fire, which Libya's National Oil Company has described as "out of control".
The huge blaze could cause a "humanitarian and environmental disaster," the government has warned. It comes hours after the authorities appealed for international assistance to try to contain the huge blaze.
It is the largest facility in Tripoli, containing 6.6 million litres of fuel. The government blames clashes between rival militias for igniting the fire, which it says may cause a humanitarian and environmental disaster.
It is the largest facility in Tripoli, containing 90 million litres of fuel.
At least 97 people have been killed in fighting between rival militia groups battling for control of Tripoli's main airport in the past week.At least 97 people have been killed in fighting between rival militia groups battling for control of Tripoli's main airport in the past week.
Fighting in the eastern city of Benghazi has also intensified, with at least 38 people killed in clashes between troops loyal to the Libyan government and Islamist fighters on Sunday.Fighting in the eastern city of Benghazi has also intensified, with at least 38 people killed in clashes between troops loyal to the Libyan government and Islamist fighters on Sunday.
Calls for evacuation Evacuation
Firefighters almost managed to put out the first fire but had to withdraw after fighting resumed in the area, Libyan oil company spokesman Mohamed Al-Harrai told the BBC.
He said shrapnel hit a second fuel tank, igniting a new flame, and the fuel compound was still being hit.
They have run out of all options and are no longer in touch with the government, he added.
A statement by the prime minister's office said it had requested international assistance "as a precaution".A statement by the prime minister's office said it had requested international assistance "as a precaution".
"Several countries have expressed their willingness to send planes and a team of experts who specialise in putting out the flames," it continues.
Residents within 3-5km (2-3 miles) of the area have been urged to evacuate, amid fears of a massive explosion if tanks are breached.Residents within 3-5km (2-3 miles) of the area have been urged to evacuate, amid fears of a massive explosion if tanks are breached.
But evacuations could be difficult, warns the BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli, due to the precarious security situation.But evacuations could be difficult, warns the BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli, due to the precarious security situation.
The fuel storage site, which belongs to the Brega oil and gas company, is the main hub for distribution of petrol in the city.The fuel storage site, which belongs to the Brega oil and gas company, is the main hub for distribution of petrol in the city.
It is located on the main airport road, where much of the fighting of the past two weeks between rival militias has been taking place.It is located on the main airport road, where much of the fighting of the past two weeks between rival militias has been taking place.
Officials have called on rival militias to cease fire in order to allow firefighters to do their job.Officials have called on rival militias to cease fire in order to allow firefighters to do their job.
Militias controlling large parts of the country are behind Libya's worst violence since the 2011 uprising that toppled Col Muammar Gaddafi.Militias controlling large parts of the country are behind Libya's worst violence since the 2011 uprising that toppled Col Muammar Gaddafi.
On Sunday, France and Germany joined the US and UK in advising their nationals in Libya to leave immediately.On Sunday, France and Germany joined the US and UK in advising their nationals in Libya to leave immediately.
It comes after the UN, US and Turkey announced they were withdrawing staff from Libya due to the surge in violence.It comes after the UN, US and Turkey announced they were withdrawing staff from Libya due to the surge in violence.
Libyan government officials have warned of the possibility of a break-up of the country if clashes over Tripoli airport continue.Libyan government officials have warned of the possibility of a break-up of the country if clashes over Tripoli airport continue.
Members of the Islamist Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room (LROR) are trying to seize control of the airport, which has been in the hands of the Zintan militia since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi.Members of the Islamist Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room (LROR) are trying to seize control of the airport, which has been in the hands of the Zintan militia since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi.
The government has been unable to disarm the numerous armed groups that took part in the 2011 uprising and which have divided the country.The government has been unable to disarm the numerous armed groups that took part in the 2011 uprising and which have divided the country.
In Benghazi, a coalition of forces including the army have been led by a rogue former general Khalifa Haftar for months.In Benghazi, a coalition of forces including the army have been led by a rogue former general Khalifa Haftar for months.
They say they aim to dislodge Islamist militants from the city.They say they aim to dislodge Islamist militants from the city.
Are you in Libya? Are you in Tripoli or Benghazi? Do you have friends and family in the country? Please share your experiences, photos and videos by contacting haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject 'Libya fighting'. Please include contact details if you feel it is safe to do so.Are you in Libya? Are you in Tripoli or Benghazi? Do you have friends and family in the country? Please share your experiences, photos and videos by contacting haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject 'Libya fighting'. Please include contact details if you feel it is safe to do so.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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