23 bodies were recovered, and around 100 individuals received medical attention at a field hospital by the Tunisian team in Libya.
The Tunisian Civil Protection further highlighted that the Tunisian medical team, which arrived in Libya as part of the Tunisian search and rescue unit, consisted of three civil protection doctors, medical equipment, and a fully equipped field hospital.
Last Tuesday, an aircraft loaded with medical supplies and a team from the Tunisian Civil Protection headed to Libya. Their mission was to bolster the Libyan relief efforts, in the wake of substantial human and material losses caused by floods that devastated eastern Libya.
The Tunisian response underscores the continued commitment of neighbouring countries to assist Libya during challenging times. Such collaborative initiatives play an indispensable role in extending timely help, and showcasing regional solidarity.
Libya is in dire need of urgent medical supplies, especially in some of its worst-hit regions like the city of Derna, according to Dr. Rick Brennan from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Brennan, who oversees the Emergency Programs at the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, highlighted that many of Libya’s medical facilities were already underperforming, even before the storm’s onset. A substantial portion of these facilities had been grappling with issues like poor equipment, and staff shortages.
Brennan pointed out challenges in delivering aid to the regions most in need, stating, “The majority of the initial response to any significant crisis like this typically comes from the local community. However, we—the international community—need to rally behind them, providing extensive support commensurate with these immense needs.”
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has released an urgent appeal for $71.4 million dollars. The fund aims to address the immediate needs of Libyans devastated by recent catastrophic flooding. This call to action targets assistance for 250,000 individuals, out of an estimated 884,000 who might need aid in the coming three months.
OCHA reported on its website, that these funds will potentially be revised as more information becomes available.