Medical need is dire in Sirte, one of the last major strongholds of ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Heavy fighting has been going on in Sirte for weeks between Gaddafi loyalists and rebels, especially after the rebel takeover of capital Tripoli.

Now the International Red Cross has raised a warning that people are dying in the city because of a heavy lack of medical supplies and electricity to service hospitals.

Sirte, the town of birth of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has faced severe destruction as rebels have used heavy weapons trying to crush the defense.

"The hospital is facing a huge influx of patients, medical supplies are running out and there is a desperate need for oxygen. On top of that, the water reservoir has been damaged," the Red Cross has said in a statement.

A team of the Red Cross has entered the city with security clearance from both sides and has described the situation on site as alarming.