Algeria to send emergency humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Libya

By Hassan Jebril

ALGIERS, Algeria (AA) - Algeria said Tuesday it will airlift emergency humanitarian aid to Libya following a deadly storm and floods that killed hundreds.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said eight aircraft loaded with foodstuffs, medical supplies, clothes and tents will be dispatched to the flood-hit country.

The statement, however, did not specify a date for sending the aid.

The assistance “reflects Algeria's unconditional and unlimited solidarity with the Libyan people to help them overcome the current difficult conditions,” the statement said.

More than 3,000 people have been reported dead and thousands remain unaccounted for after floods caused by Storm Daniel struck eastern Libya, according to Libyan officials.

Initial reports indicate that dozens of villages and towns were submerged by floods amid widespread damage to infrastructure.

On Monday, Libya’s Presidency Council appealed to friendly countries and international aid groups to provide aid to the flood-stricken areas in the eastern region.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara