Opposing sides in Libya come together to plan and execute flood relief efforts

The United Nations has announced that the two rival governments in Libya are working together to coordinate relief efforts for the victims of devastating floods. The floods occurred after two dams burst in the eastern city of Derna, resulting in more than 5,300 deaths. Additionally, over 10,000 people are currently missing and tens of thousands have been displaced. Tauhid Pasha, a representative from the International Organisation for Migration, stated that both the eastern and western governments of Libya have requested international aid and are collaborating with each other. Pasha mentioned that the Government of National Unity, the western government, has extended its support and is coordinating with the eastern government. He emphasized the urgent need for the international community to respond promptly to the governments' requests and provide the necessary funding. Since the overthrow of former ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been divided between the two rival governments and has experienced ongoing conflicts involving various militias. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, leading the UN-backed Government of National Unity in Tripoli, has been engaged in power struggles with Prime Minister Osama Hamad in the east. Gen Khalifa Haftar, who heads the Libyan National Army, holds considerable influence in eastern Libya. Following the floods, Gen Haftar received assistance and support from an Egyptian military delegation. UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, Volker Turk, stressed the importance of all political groups working together in the aftermath of the disaster. He called for support to be provided to all affected individuals regardless of their affiliations and emphasized the need to protect vulnerable groups facing increased risks due to the disaster. Abdulkader Assad, political editor of the Libya Observer, highlighted that the division between the two governments has hindered rescue efforts. He emphasized that the lack of a unified central government is impacting the lives of the Libyan people. The search for survivors in Derna is being conducted by Libyan rescue teams, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. However, time is running out to find survivors, according to Tommaso Della Longa, the organization's spokesperson. The flooding has caused extensive damage, with entire areas of the city destroyed and thousands of families in need of assistance. Usama Al Husadi, a resident searching for his missing family members, expressed his despair and reported the devastating loss of life among his relatives. Furthermore, the bodies of over 80 Egyptian migrants who perished in the floods have been repatriated to Egypt and buried in their respective towns, as confirmed by the country's emigration ministry.