Finland to send material assistance to flood-hit Libya

Finland will send tents, blankets, sleeping pads and water canisters to Libya responding to the request from the flood-affected country, said the Ministry of the Interior on Thursday.

Libya has requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism following the destruction caused by Storm Daniel on 12 September.

Libya has requested a wide range of assistance, including shelters, medical supplies and expert assistance.

The Ministry of the Interior is preparing to assist Libya in close cooperation with the National Emergency Supply Agency.

“We will receive the material from the National Emergency Supply Agency, which will make it ready for delivery. The Ministry of the Interior is preparing the delivery together with the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC),” said Heikki Honkanen, Senior Coordinator of the Ministry of the Interior.

Storm Daniel has caused massive flooding and flash floods in northeast Libya. According to the UN, at least 5,000 people have already died and 10,000 people are estimated to be missing.

“The situation in Libya is very critical. Human and material losses are enormous, and it is important that assistance reaches the destination quickly. As requested by Libya, we will send material assistance to the region,” said Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

On Saturday 8 September, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, causing major damage. The Ministry of the Interior is closely monitoring the situation in Morocco.

So far, however, Morocco has not requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.