Both the British and French governments have released reports, detailing their respective contributions in aiding victims of the devastating floods in Libya.
The British report highlighted their life-saving decisive support, allocating increased funds, deploying an essential medical emergency team, and providing emergency shelter, solar lanterns, and water filters to the disaster-stricken regions.
Rapid on-ground medical assessments will be conducted by the team. This augmented support is based on an initial package worth one million pounds, announced on 13 September, to ensure the provision of vital supplies.
The emergency team is led by health and sanitation experts from the non-governmental organisation, UK-Med. They are tasked with rapid medical assessments in the disaster-hit areas, in coordination with local authorities, international organisations, and other team partners on the ground.
In the wake of the catastrophic storms, there’s a growing urgency to understand Libya’s immediate and expanding health needs. The UK’s financial aid has thus been increased, addressing both the floods in Libya, and the earthquake in Morocco, with a package amounting to £10 million pounds.
Lord Ahmed, Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, expressed, “It’s heart-wrenching to witness the loss of lives and devastation in Libya post the floods. We are committed to supporting the Libyan people during this exceptionally challenging period and will escalate the British financial response to crises.”
Concurrently, the reports revealed France’s emphasis on collaborating closely with Libyan emergency services, providing medical and surgical aid to those affected. This effort is in conjunction with the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry of Europe, and Foreign Affairs.
The French Civil Protection Department established a field hospital in Derna, which began receiving its first patients on 17 September. More than 50 rescue workers and first responders from the civil protection unit contributed to this service. This unit includes an operating room, and hospital beds that can accommodate up to 100 patients daily. France has also earmarked €4 million euros for the United Nations, to assist in emergency relief and reconstruction efforts in Libya.
In conclusion, the reports mentioned France’s ongoing collaboration with NGO’s on the ground to assess their needs. France reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the Libyan people during these trying times, and is poised to meet any additional requests from the Libyan authorities.