In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Daniel, countries from across the globe are rallying behind Libya, dispatching invaluable aid and relief equipment to alleviate the disaster’s impact.
The European Union has made a significant move, earmarking €5.2 million euros in urgent humanitarian support. This substantial funding will be distributed via the EU’s operational humanitarian affiliates in Libya. Further underscoring its commitment, an added sum of €200,000 euros has been allocated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to bolster the Libyan Red Crescent’s efforts. This collective gesture elevates the EU’s contribution to a commendable total of over €5.7 million.
In a show of solidarity, Bahrain promptly dispatched a relief aircraft to Libya today, laden with approximately 40 tons of critical aid, a generous gesture valued at around $1 million dollars. Similarly, an Omani relief plane touched down at Benina Airport in Benghazi, delivering an impressive 85 tons of assistance for flood and hurricane victims. Signifying Oman’s deep-rooted support, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq ordered the immediate dispatch of aid to the regions affected by Hurricane Daniel.
Saudi Arabia, not to be left behind, further intensified its relief efforts. Today saw the country’s third relief aircraft, brimming with 50 tons of vital food and shelter materials, make its way to Benghazi.
The Saudi embassy in Cairo emphasized in a statement that these efforts are part of the broader initiatives of the King Salman Relief Center, to offer sustenance and shelter to the flood victims.
Yesterday, the African Union proclaimed the activation of a disaster management mechanism to support Libya in dealing with the repercussions.
This includes deploying a team of experts to offer assistance on the ground. Moussa Faki, the Head of the AU Commission, mentioned that in collaboration with various AU entities, a disaster management mechanism has been activated, including regular consultations with the permanent Libyan mission to the AU, in Addis Ababa.
Romania’s Foreign Minister, Luminita Odobescu also announced on Sunday the intention to transport 55 tons of essential goods to Benghazi, under the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism. She noted that this is the first of six planes Romania intends to send to aid Libya.
Egypt’s helicopter carrier, Mistral arrived yesterday to operate as a field hospital, bolstering medical support for those affected by the storm. This follows directives from Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to providing swift and comprehensive humanitarian aid to its neighbour. Since the floods inundated eastern Libya, Egypt has dispatched hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid, equipment, and relief teams through land, sea, and air routes.
Beyond this, Egypt has been relentless, supplying hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance through various means.
A significant convoy, carrying essential medical supplies, search and rescue teams, and heavy-duty engineering equipment, was dispatched via the Saloum crossing. Further aiding the cause, Egypt launched search and evacuation aircraft, with the Egyptian Red Crescent, confirming an additional 90 tons of aid.
In a parallel show of solidarity, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, ordered immediate aid to Libya. Eastern Libyan airports have become familiar landing spots for Emirati relief aircraft. Over the past week, the UAE sent an impressive fleet of 17 aircraft, loaded with 450 tons of food, shelter, medical supplies, and essential first aid gear. Notably, the UAE’s contribution also encompasses a team of 96 specialized personnel, helicopters, advanced search and rescue vehicles, sonar equipment for underwater searches, and mobile power solutions.
Notably, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has also initiated emergency aid, especially targeting the severely affected northeastern region of Libya. Turkish response has been robust, with three aircraft carrying rescue teams, essential humanitarian supplies, and medical professionals. Derna, a city facing tragic loss, became a focal point for Turkish aid.
Algeria launched an air bridge to convey essential humanitarian aid to Libya. Simultaneously, the Italian National Civil Protection Department dispatched another set of rescue personnel and relief materials, emphasizing international cooperation in the face of adversity.
In the shadow of the storm, the concerted international response stands as a testament to global unity, hope, and resilience.
The Kuwaiti Army unveiled the take-off of their second relief plane on Thursday, from the Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base. Laden with an impressive 41 tons of varied relief goods, this initiative was organized in collaboration with the Al-Salam Association for Humanitarian Work and the Global Islamic Charitable Organization. Kuwait’s prominent Ministries of Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defense helmed the coordination.
Jordan dispatched a plane on Wednesday, brimming with relief supplies. The Hashemite Charity Organization took the lead, coordinating with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, sending tents, blankets, food packages, and more to the storm-ravaged regions.
Tripoli welcomed a Palestinian Immediate Intervention and Response Team. As per the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, this squad is prepped to dive into humanitarian missions, focusing primarily on search and rescue endeavours.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with its neighbour, Tunisia deployed two military planes, stocked with aid for Libya. This gesture of unity included a specialized medical team from the Tunisian Red Crescent, further supplemented with essential medical provisions.
A Spanish technical squad, specialized in intricate search and rescue operations, touched down in Tripoli on Wednesday. Armed with state-of-the-art drones, sensing equipment, and highly trained canines, the team is all set to make a significant impact, with operations already underway in Derna.
Not lagging behind, Germany expedited two military aircraft to Libya, filled with 30 tons of search and rescue gear, touching base at Benina Airport on Thursday.
As Libya grapples with the aftermath of storm Daniel, the global community’s outreach stands testament to humanity’s collective spirit.