The United Nations (UN) confirmed that a coalition of 21 humanitarian organisations has delivered crucial aid to over 125,000 individuals affected by a severe cyclone in Eastern Libya.
Out of a total of 250,000 people requiring assistance in the afflicted areas, approximately half have been catered to, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The report, covering the period from September 29th to October 2nd, was disseminated through OCHA’s official website. It emphasised the ongoing supportive actions of the organisations in areas that were hard-hit by the cyclone.
Additionally, international search and rescue teams from Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue their operations, with the city of Derna experiencing the most severe impacts from the disaster.
OCHA’s report elaborated that humanitarian partners are amplifying their efforts in collaboration with international organisations, including 7 agencies affiliated with the UN and 14 NGO’s, both local and international.
The support extends across the affected regions in Libya, as relief efforts persist in response to the catastrophe.
Notably, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) issued an urgent plea to amplify donor funding, aiming to escalate early recovery efforts in the most affected areas. A staggering $22 million is the anticipated financial requirement to expedite these critical initiatives, with only approximately 30% of the sum currently secured.
Amy Pope, the Director General of IOM, underscored the magnitude of humanitarian needs in the regions shattered by the tempest. “The realms ravaged by the storm present a panorama of massive humanitarian requirements,” Pope articulated.
Over 80 IOM personnel, situated in northeast Libya, are engaging meticulously with both national and international allies to navigate the crisis response. Moreover, the UN’s Rapid Response Mechanism has been activated, coordinating a response to ensure that relief items reach impacted communities with alacrity.
IOM, aligning with other UN affiliates, urgently beckons Libyan national and local authorities, alongside Libya’s international collaborators, to forge a consolidated national mechanism. This will steer recovery and reconstruction efforts with a firm commitment to transparency and accountability, founded on a rigorous and impartial appraisal of circumstances and needs onsite.