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Add to Preferred SourcesThe Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, and Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming TD have announced a contribution of €1million of Irish Aid support to the people of Libya which is experiencing a humanitarian crisis following the flooding of recent days. This funding will support the work of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The precise impact on the region is currently being assessed by authorities and partners on the ground but it is clear that in the area of Derna, the floods have caused the collapse of two upstream dams. Initial and unconfirmed estimates indicate over 3,000 dead and thousands more missing – tens of thousands of people have seen their homes destroyed. As assessments continue, these figures are expected to rise in the coming days.
The Tánaiste said: “The Libyan people have already endured years of conflict, poverty, and displacement and the crisis caused by this flooding, a direct result of the impact climate change is having in the region, will exacerbate the lives of many of them. Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Libya and is providing immediate emergency humanitarian assistance. Funding from Ireland is facilitating a response at local level to those in desperate need.”
Minister Fleming said: “It is devastating to see yet another climate related disaster have such a crippling impact on North Africa and in this instance, the people of Libya. This €1 million allocation will support immediate and urgent humanitarian needs on the ground.”
The funds will support local communities most affected through the provision of emergency shelter, clean drinking water, and food, mobile health care including psychological support, and hygiene centers through support of the local response.
This support is in addition to prepositioned funding of €2.4m already provided to the IFRC by Ireland this year as part of a three-year MOU, which allows the Federation to respond immediately when a disaster strikes.