The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, Georgette Gagnon, has said "what people in Derna and surrounding areas have experienced is tragic beyond words," following her second visit to Derna since the floods.
"All the displaced families I met said they have one wish: For their lives to go back to normal. The outpouring of unity, solidarity and support shown by Libyans from all over the country gives me hope this will happen soon.” Gagnon said.
Gagnon highlighted progress in ongoing efforts to remove debris, rehabilitate roads and deliver humanitarian assistance to affected people. Together with WHO and UNICEF, she reviewed access to essential health services and medical referral paths in Al-Bayda and Shahat and met with displaced families in Derna.
Gagnon also thanked Libyan and international search and rescue workers for their tireless efforts to find survivors in the most difficult conditions and commended the search and rescue operation.
In meetings with local authorities, Gagnon discussed the importance of full access by humanitarian workers and the need for strong coordination among relevant national and international stakeholders. She highlighted the need to accelerate early recovery efforts to advance longer-term reconstruction.
