TRIPOLI, Sept 28: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday highlighted the humanitarian needs in eastern Libya hit by recent deadly floods.

 "Humanitarian needs remain critical. UN agencies found that half of the 78 health facilities assessed in Derna and parts of Al-Jabar Al-Akhdar are either partially or totally non-functioning. Rushing floodwaters also destroyed water networks and sewage pipes," UNSMIL said in a statement.

 Many families displaced by the floods are sheltering in schools as local authorities work hard to find solutions for their housing needs, the statement said, stressing the need to urgently address the situation of displaced people staying in schools before the start of the school year.

 "UN agencies and partners, who were on the ground in the affected areas within hours of the floods, are providing safe drinking water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, school supplies, blankets, food items and psychosocial first-aid services to people, as well as supporting the establishment of six field hospitals," it said.

On Sept. 10, Mediterranean storm Daniel triggered the largest and worst floods in decades. Thousands of people were killed and went missing, while the region's infrastructure was severely damaged.

United Nations agencies have appealed for 71.4 million U.S. dollars to meet the immediate needs of 250,000 affected people in the next three months.

(Xinhua/RSS)

 
• UNSMIL
 
• floods
 
• first-aid