On Saturday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) delivered 500 emergency food parcels to communities in Kufra, which were severely affected by recent flooding. This aid is aimed at supporting those hardest hit by the floods, particularly in areas with large numbers of refugees.
In a statement, UNSMIL announced that the food parcels were distributed in response to the unexpected flooding caused by unprecedented heavy rainfall in Kufra. The relief effort was coordinated with the World Food Programme (WFP), the Libyan Relief Agency (LibAid), and local authorities in eastern Libya.
Tarek El-Ghandour, WFP’s Country Director in Libya, confirmed that the WFP has provided 58.9 tons of food supplies to over 11,575 Sudanese refugees across northeastern and western Libya. This distribution is part of a larger initiative to assist vulnerable populations affected by extreme weather conditions.
Libya has been grappling with severe challenges due to ongoing conflict, political instability, and natural disasters. The recent floods in Kufra, a southeastern city, have worsened the already difficult conditions for many residents and refugees in the region.
Kufra hosts a significant number of refugees, mainly from Sudan, who have fled violence and instability. The city’s infrastructure, already strained by the refugee influx, has been further compromised by the flooding. In response, international organizations like the UN and WFP have stepped in to provide critical emergency relief.
The heavy rains and flooding in Kufra are part of a growing pattern of extreme weather events impacting Libya, underscoring the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. The collaborative effort involving the WFP, LibAid, and local authorities is crucial in delivering immediate assistance while more sustainable solutions are sought.
