New York - Tripoli: Europe and the Arabs
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Libya, Abdullah Batili, expressed his concern about the emergence of unilateral and conflicting initiatives from various Libyan parties and institutions regarding the reconstruction of Derna and other areas affected by the floods. According to what was stated in the daily United Nations news bulletin, a copy of which we received this morning
The UN official said in a statement issued by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, which he heads: “These unilateral efforts would be counterproductive, deepen the existing divisions in the country, and hinder reconstruction efforts, in addition to being inconsistent with the outpouring of solidarity, support and national unity demonstrated by the people.” Libyans from all over the country in response to the crisis.
The statement stressed that there is an urgent need to establish a unified national mechanism in order to move forward with effective and efficient reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the floods.
Batelli urged Libya's leaders to rise above their divisions and come together to agree on a unified response to reconstruction needs.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya visited Derna on 16 September, where he met with many Libyans, including residents of flood-affected areas in eastern Libya, local and national authorities, and Libya’s international partners.
For its part, the World Health Organization reported that 101 health workers were killed during Storm Daniel or in its immediate aftermath.
It is noteworthy that the storm and the subsequent floods and torrents led to the death of 4,333 people and the loss of more than 8,500.
Dr. Ahmed Zuwaiten, the representative of the World Health Organization in Libya, said: “These doctors, nurses and paramedics who sacrificed their lives, their loss is not only a loss for their families and loved ones, but also a loss for the entire society, and it is undoubtedly a strong blow to the health sector in eastern Libya and the rest of it.”
The organization said, in a press statement, that the Libyan health system was suffering - before Storm Daniel - from severe disruption due to the conflict that had lasted for more than a decade.
She noted that primary health care facilities across the country are facing a severe shortage of staff, medicines, equipment and medical devices. She said that the loss of 101 health workers in eastern Libya is another painful blow to the health system there.
The organization cooperates closely with local and national health authorities to find immediate solutions to ensure that those affected in the most affected areas have access to health services.
The organization also leads efforts to rehabilitate and strengthen the health system in Libya, by re-operating damaged health facilities by deploying health workers from the least affected municipalities, and sending medicines, medical supplies and equipment.
Dr. Zouiten said, "These efforts may be the best way to honor health workers who were killed in the floods. The organization will commemorate these heroes by continuing efforts aimed at restoring health care and continuing their journey of serving the vulnerable, saving lives, and preserving the safety of society."