Factbox-Foreign offers of aid in response to Libya's floods

Reuters
Updated ·3 min read
General view of Derna city, following a powerful storm and heavy rainfall hitting the country, in Derna

(Reuters) - Libya has called for international aid after a devastating flood killed thousands of people, with many still missing. Tens of thousands have been displaced.

Here is some of the aid that countries have sent or are preparing to send.

QATAR

At least two planes carrying humanitarian aid from Qatar landed in Benghazi's Benina International Airport early on Wednesday. The aid included equipment for a field hospital, water pumps, tents, and blankets.

TURKEY

Turkey is sending three aircraft to transport a rescue team and humanitarian aid, its foreign ministry said. The rescue team will comprise 168 personnel, two search and rescue vehicles, and two rescue boats.

ITALY

Italy on Tuesday said a team including firefighters, and civil protection officials was departing for Libya.

On Wednesday the defence ministry said two military jets will travel to Libya with more firefighters, logistics supplies and other equipment. The naval vessel San Giorgio has also been sent to ensure logistic support.

The ministry says it might also send a second boat to bring more materials and two helicopters for the search and rescue operations.

The Italian Red Cross sent aid including sanitary facilities, drinking water purifiers, generators and 1,500 body bags.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates has sent two aid planes carrying 150 tons of urgent food, relief and medical supplies.

EGYPT

Egypt said it would send a Mistral helicopter carrier to serve as a field hospital and set up shelter tents for those who lost their homes, state TV reported.

JORDAN

Jordan sent an aid plane carrying relief supplies including tents, blankets and food.

TUNISIA

Tunisia sent aid and a civil protection team specialised in search and rescue with four dogs, a medical crew, and thermal monitoring devices and a drone to detect victims, in addition to a field hospital.

KUWAIT

Kuwait sent an aid plane carrying 40 tons of medical and relief supplies in addition to food.

ALGERIA

Algeria is sending eight aircraft carrying food, medical supplies, clothing and tents.

UNITED NATIONS

The U.N. said it was working with partners to get humanitarian assistance to those in the affected areas. Emergency teams are being mobilised to help on the ground.

The World Food Programme and local partner LibAid have started the distribution of food to more than 5,000 families displaced by the flooding.

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated $10 million to the flood response.

EU

The European Union on Wednesday activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to help Libya. It said Germany, Romania, and Finland offered tents, field beds and blankets, 80 generators and food as well as water tanks.

The EU said it was releasing an initial 500,000 euros ($536,000) in humanitarian funding.

UNITED STATES

The U.S. is sending emergency funds to relief organizations and coordinating with the Libyan authorities and the U.N. to provide additional support, President Joe Biden said.

FRANCE

France said it would send a field hospital.

SPAIN

Firefighters from several Spanish provinces have travelled to Libya. Some carried boxes with electric equipment, including generators.

A spokesperson for the Basque NGO Accion Norte said eight firefighters, four rescue dogs, a doctor and an interpreter were en route to Derna, together with a contingent from the Valencia-based NGO Bombers pel Mon.

"We are completely self-sufficient and are carrying specialised equipment for rescue from collapsed structures and water rescue," he said.

BRITAIN

Britain announced an initial aid package worth up to 1 million pounds ($1.25 million) to provide assistance to those affected by the flood. It said it was working with partners on the ground to identify the most urgent basic needs, including on shelter, healthcare and sanitation. ($1 = 0.9323 euros)

($1 = 0.8005 pounds)

(Reporting by Tarek Amara, Angelo Amante, Jana Choukeir, Charlotte van Campenhout, Aidan Lewis, Ahmed Elimam, Nayera Abdallah, Tassilo Hummel, David Latona and Reuters bureaus; Compiled by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Christina Fincher, William Maclean, and Angus)