TRIPOLI, March 11 (Xinhua) -- UN envoys on Monday stressed the need for Libya to establish "a coordinated national platform" for the reconstruction of the areas hit by storm Daniel and the ensuing deadly floods that claimed thousands of lives in September last year.
In a joint statement issued by Abdoulaye Bathily, the special representative of the UN secretary-general for Libya, and Georgette Gagnon, the deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, resident and humanitarian coordinator for Libya, the two officials highlighted "the release of funds for long-term reconstruction efforts, and for their transparent management and distribution with effective oversight and accountability to the Libyan people."
Mediterranean storm Daniel hit the city of Derna and its surrounding areas in eastern Libya on Sept. 10, 2023, triggering Libya's worst floods in decades that claimed the lives of thousands of people and inflicted extensive damage upon the region's infrastructure, especially water supply and sewage systems.
"We call on Libyan authorities and actors to collectively take forward reconstruction that focuses on the needs and best interests of the people whose lives were so severely affected by the floods," the statement said.
It noted that the emergency assistance provided by the UN in Libya and its humanitarian partners have so far reached 247,000 people, including shelter, clean water, food, educational support, medical and psycho-social support.
"We will continue to work closely with local and international partners to assist in rebuilding lives and communities, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for the rights and well-being of all affected people," the statement said. ■