In response to the devastating flooding that has engulfed the North African nation of Libya, King Charles of the United Kingdom has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council. According to reports from Sky News, the floodwaters in the city of Derna are believed to have claimed the lives of up to 20,000 people, as reported by the mayor of the city.
In a letter addressed to Mohamed Al-Menfi, King Charles expressed his deep sorrow over the profound impact and tragic loss of life caused by the destructive Storm Daniel and the subsequent flooding. The British monarch conveyed his sympathy, saying, "My wife and I are so desperately saddened by the devastating impact and loss of life caused by Storm Daniel and the subsequent floods. We mourn with all those who have lost their loved ones and continue to pray for everyone whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the horrific floods."
King Charles also lauded the dedicated individuals involved in the ongoing rescue operations under extremely challenging conditions and commended their selfless acts of bravery.
Simultaneously, the UK government pledged to provide a substantial aid package of £1 million ($1.25 million) to assist Libya in its recovery efforts. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to social media, expressing his shock at the scale of the destruction and loss caused by the floods in Libya. He assured that the UK was actively engaged in delivering immediate assistance to the people of Libya, underscoring the country's commitment to helping the flood-stricken nation.
Libyan officials, recognizing their limited experience in disaster management, issued appeals for international assistance, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The United States also extended its support, with President Joe Biden announcing that the country was coordinating efforts with Libyan and UN authorities to provide essential aid.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist on the ground. The United Nations' migration agency revealed that the extensive destruction of critical infrastructure, including vital bridges, has hindered the efficient delivery of relief by humanitarian organizations.
In the coastal city of Derna, more than 30,000 individuals have been displaced, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Hichem Abu Chkiouat, the Minister of Civil Aviation in the administration governing eastern Libya, lamented the continuous arrival of numerous bodies by the sea, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for assistance.