International Aid Pours into Storm-Hit Libya: Qatar and UAE Lead with Substantial Relief Efforts

International Aid Pours into Storm-Hit Libya: Qatar and UAE Lead with Substantial Relief Efforts

Qatar and UAE Aid Contributions

The aftermath of Storm Daniel in Libya has prompted international aid efforts from various countries. Among the leading contributors are Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The seventh and eighth flights from Qatar’s air bridge, carrying 58 tons of humanitarian and relief assistance, arrived at Benghazi’s Benina International Airport to aid those affected in eastern Libya. This brings Qatar’s total aid to 267 tons. The aid consists of essentials such as shelters, foodstuff, electricity generators, and medical items, provided by the Standing Committee for Rescue and Relief Works and Humanitarian Aids for Afflicted Areas in Brotherly and Friendly Countries, Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), Qatar Red Crescent Society, and Qatar Charity. On the other hand, the UAE’s Libya humanitarian air bridge has delivered 622 tons of aid in 28 flights, aiding 6,386 families affected by the storm.

Libya’s Political Response and International Cooperation

In response to the disaster, the Libyan government is seeking international support for reconstruction in the areas affected by Storm Daniel. The Minister of Local Government has met with German and Italian ambassadors to discuss aid and reconstruction, and discussions for post-disaster reconstruction are ongoing with Egyptian companies. The secretary-general of the United Nations has called for investigations into the collapse of the Derna dams while the UN has launched a $71 million appeal for flood victims, advising against mass burials.

The Human Impact of Storm Daniel

The impact of Storm Daniel on Libya has been devastating. The United Nations confirmed 3,958 deaths and 40,000 displacements due to the disaster. However, the Derna disaster alone has resulted in more than 5,300 deaths and 10,000 missing persons. Over 2,000 deaths and thousands missing were reported after Storm Daniel hit eastern Libya, the worst-affected region. Satellite images revealing the extent of the flood damage have been released, showing the widespread destruction caused by the storm. Demonstrations have been held calling for accountability from the Derna Mayor and dismissal of parliament, with investigations ongoing into the failures of the Derna dams.

Current Reconstruction and Clean-up Efforts

As international aid continues to pour in, efforts are being made within Libya to manage the aftermath of the storm. The Public Service Company has initiated valley clean-up operations. In response to the crisis, Tripoli and Hafter’s army are working together, with 23 flights of international aid from 12 states arriving in Libya within 24 hours. The government has requested the UN to coordinate these efforts, and the eastern Libyan government is seeking an international reconstruction conference for the areas affected by the storm.