Libya crisis: The war has been raging for three weeks (Image: GETTY ) Enzo Moavero, Italy’s foreign minister, has written to EU chiefs telling them to be prepared for “large and sudden flows of migrants” as the nation’s civil war continues. The warning comes after Libyan government also warned that up to 800,000 Libyans and foreign migrants could attempt to make the cross to Europe if the fighting continues. Related articles Migrant crisis: France agrees to take 20 people off ship Libya WAR: Two dead and 10 wounded after rockets strike Libya At least 278 people have died and more than 1,300 injured since April 4. The bloodshed began when General Khalifa Haftar ordered his men to advance on the capital, Tripoli, earlier this month. Gen Haftar, who is backed by the United Arab Emirates and has ties to Russia, is head of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA’s advance threatens the internationally recognised government based in the capital. Libya crisis: Italy has warned the EU it faces an influx of refugees (Image: GETTY ) Libya crisis: Sudanese refugees, who fled from the clashes in Libya (Image: GETTY ) On Thursday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the humanitarian situation has greatly deteriorated around theLibyan capital Tripoli, where "densely populated residential areas are gradually turning into battlefields”. Follwoing three weeks of clashes, hospitals are struggling with chronic shortages of medical supplies amid power outages and weakened water pumping stations, the aid agency said. The statement read: ”It is crucial that hospitals, medical facilities, health staff and vehicles transporting the wounded are allowed to carry out their activities safely.” The World Health Organization posted on Twitter that 278 people have been killed in the last three weeks, while 1,332 others have been wounded. Libya crisis: At least 278 people have died and more than 1,300 injured since April 4 (Image: GETTY ) Related articles Libya Crisis: US BEGS for fighting to stop as 21 confirmed dead Libya crisis: EU calls for truce over fears of refugees coming Europe The Libyan National Army, which is allied to a rival government in eastern Libya, has mounted an offensive on Tripoli but has so far failed to breach the city's southern defences.Southern suburbs and nearby villages have been heavily fought over and shelled, with territory regularly changing hands.Since long-time dictator Gaddafi was ousted and killed in 2011, Libya has been rocked by instability and violence. All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility