China has stepped up its efforts to assist Libya in the aftermath of the devastating floods, dispatching emergency supplies to aid hurricane and flood relief.
A shipment of essential supplies, including tents, blankets, and first aid equipment, departed from Shanghai via plane, reported CMG. Additionally, the Chinese government has pledged humanitarian assistance of 30 million yuan, which is approximately $4.11 million, to support Libya during this crisis.
The flash flood that struck the Mediterranean coastal city of Derna resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people, with catastrophic consequences. Witnesses likened the impact to a tsunami, as two upstream dams burst under the relentless downpour brought by Storm Daniel. The surging floodwaters tore through buildings, vehicles, and homes, even sweeping some individuals out to sea.
Tragically, the remains of victims have been found on beaches strewn with debris and car wrecks.
This disaster follows closely on the heels of another significant catastrophe in North Africa, as a 6.8-magnitude earthquake claimed nearly 3,000 lives in Morocco just days earlier.
The United Nations has pledged $10 million to aid Libya’s survivors, with a particular focus on supporting the estimated 30,000 people who have been left homeless in Derna. This constitutes nearly a third of the city’s pre-disaster population.
China’s contributions and assistance are part of a broader international effort to alleviate the suffering and provide relief to the affected communities in Libya.