CAIRO: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt has directed concerned authorities to establish “shelter camps” in the western coastal region of the country, bordering Libya, to provide refuge and support for the survivors of the devastating floods that recently struck Libya.
This gesture of solidarity comes as Libyan authorities grapple with the aftermath of flash floods that wreaked havoc in the eastern city of Derna, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread displacement.
Official newspaper Al-Ahram reported that President Sisi ordered the creation of these shelter camps to accommodate “our impacted Libyan brothers who have lost their homes.”
Egypt’s Swift Response to Libya Flood
The flash floods in Derna have resulted in over 6,000 reported deaths, although fears persist that the actual toll may be considerably higher. Furthermore, the United Nations has reported that at least 30,000 individuals in the city have been left homeless as a result of the torrential rains brought by Storm Daniel, which submerged entire neighborhoods.
In response to the Libyan flood crisis, Egypt has taken swift action to provide assistance. The Egyptian military dispatched three cargo planes to Libya, carrying search and rescue teams, as well as vital aid items such as medical supplies and tents, as confirmed by the army’s spokesperson on Tuesday.
Additionally, Libyan authorities have reported the transportation of 145 bodies of Egyptians who lost their lives in the floods across the border into Egypt. President Sisi expressed his condolences to the families of these Egyptian citizens and instructed officials to expedite the provision of “urgent aid” to the relatives of the deceased.
