The UN asks for 67 million euros to help 250,000 people affected by floods in Libya

The IFRC joins the emergency call and requests 10.5 million euros

UNICEF estimates 300,000 children affected by the damage caused by storm 'Daniel'

MADRID, 15 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The UN has requested this Thursday 71.4 million dollars (about 67 million euros) to help 250,000 people affected by the floods in Libya, which have so far caused 5,000 deaths and nearly 30,000 displaced people.

This aid, however, would not cover the nearly 880,000 people spread across the country's five provinces who live in directly affected areas, according to estimates by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"All forces are working to provide as much help and support to the people as we can. The UN is deploying a strong team to support and resource the international response, in coordination with the first teams and the Libyan authorities," he said. Martin Griffiths, director of OCHA.

"The magnitude of the catastrophe caused by the floods is shocking: entire neighborhoods have been wiped off the map and entire families, taken by surprise, have been swept away by the deluge," added Griffiths.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has estimated the number of children affected by 'Daniel' and its devastating consequences at 300,000, and has stated that they "desperately" need humanitarian aid.

"Libyan children are once again facing another tragedy after more than a decade of conflict. Our priority is to step up life-saving assistance, including by providing health and water and sanitation supplies, psychosocial support, family tracing and prevention of waterborne diseases," said Michele Servadei, UNICEF representative in Libya.

"Children are among the most vulnerable and are at high risk of disease outbreaks, lack of clean water, malnutrition, disruption of learning and violence," he added.

In addition, the organization has claimed to need at least 6.5 million dollars (6.11 million euros) for its support operations.

On the other hand, the World Food Program (WFP) has said that its emergency work aims to provide monthly food aid to 100,000 people affected by heavy flooding over the next three months.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), for its part, has announced an emergency appeal to raise 10 million Swiss francs (10.5 million euros) to strengthen the activities of its teams on who assist in evacuations, administer first aid and ensure a "respectful and dignified burial of the deceased."

Other tasks they perform include providing emergency health care, emergency shelter, psychosocial support, and water and sanitation services.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this disaster, including three brave volunteers of the Libyan Red Crescent who lost their lives during rescue operations," said IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain. it's a statement.

"We are facing an acute and unprecedented situation. International solidarity and support are crucial (...). The time to act is now. We call on the international community, partners and donors to contribute generously to this emergency appeal," he added.

Last Sunday, Storm 'Daniel' devastated eastern Libya, destroying buildings and even dams, and leaving at least three hospitals and ten primary health care centers out of service.