US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the United States would provide emergency financial assistance to help Libya in the aftermath of devastating floods that have affected regions in the eastern part of the country, resulting in significant human and material losses.
Biden stated he has decided to send emergency funds to Libyan relief organizations, emphasizing that his country is coordinating with Libyan authorities and the United Nations to provide support.
US Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland, revealed that the US Embassy issued an official statement on Tuesday outlining humanitarian needs, which will enable initial funding from the US to support relief efforts in Libya.
The US State Department announced that Washington is coordinating with UN partners and Libyan authorities to determine how best to support ongoing relief efforts.
According to Tarek Al-Khriss, the spokesperson for the Interior Ministry in the government appointed by the Libyan House of Representatives, in statements to Libyan media on Tuesday, the death toll from the floods in Derna alone has exceeded 5,200 people.
The Libyan Ambulance and Emergency Service announced a significant need for plastic bags designed for transporting bodies, confirming the dispatch of 1,500 bags to the affected areas, according to a Free Libya correspondent.
The death toll from the floods in eastern Libya is expected to rise dramatically, with an estimated 10,000 people missing, as reported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Tuesday.
The situation in Libya is dire, and international assistance is crucial to provide relief and support to the affected areas. The United States’ decision to send emergency funds underscores its commitment to aiding Libya during this challenging time.
