The UK Embassy in Libya emphasised the critical connection between immediate assistance and long-term recovery, following the devastating floods in eastern Libya.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the UK has pledged $5 million dollars to sustain aid efforts, prioritizing support for those facing the most pressing needs in the aftermath of the disaster.
Over the past four months, the UK has “taken proactive steps, disbursing 51 metric tonnes of core relief items through collaborative efforts with partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).”
According to the statement, this “strategic allocation of resources aims to address the immediate needs of affected communities.”
Furthermore, a UK-funded emergency medical team deployed to Derna, has played a crucial role in supporting local healthcare clinics. Their efforts have resulted in the treatment of 472 individuals who, otherwise, would have had limited access to healthcare.
The team has also supplied essential medicines and medical provisions to enhance the healthcare infrastructure.
The UK, in partnership with various NGO’s, is actively engaged in monitoring emerging risks, and providing early warnings. This collaborative approach ensures a timely and effective response to dynamic situations. Its dedication extends to providing £1 million each, to UNICEF and UNFPA. This funding will contribute to sustained mental health support and maternal and child healthcare, addressing the long-term repercussions of the disaster.
On 10 September, a devastating storm swept through several eastern regions of Libya, notably the cities of Derna, Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Al-Marj, and Sousse. This resulted in significant destruction, and led to the loss of thousands of lives, injuries, and missing individuals.
The UN dispatched a massive 53-ton shipment of humanitarian supplies.