UK announces initial £1 mln in Libya aid after flood

AFP , Wednesday 13 Sep 2023

Britain announced on Wednesday it was sending an "initial package" of aid worth up to £1 million ($1.25 million) to provide assistance to those hit by devastating floods in Libya.

Floods hits Libya s eastern city of Derna
This image grab from footage published on social networks by Libyan al-Masar television channel on September 13 shows an aerial view of a extensive damage in the wake of floods after the Mediterranean storm Daniel hit Libya s eastern city of Derna. AFP

 

London said it is working with "trusted partners on the ground" to identify the most urgent basic needs, including shelter, healthcare and sanitation and "stood ready to provide further support".

​The death toll in Libya could exceed 5,000 after Storm Daniel brought devastating floods to the eastern city of Derna on Sunday, but the real figures are feared to be much higher. 

Noting the UK aid announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was "shocking to see the scale of the loss and devastation caused by the floods".

"We're working to provide immediate assistance to the Libyan people, including initial funding to support the international relief effort," he added.

The UK government also noted that the United Nations has announced $10 million in response to the flooding from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

It said Britain is one of the largest donors to the fund, committing £52 million in 2023.

Short link: