Pope Francis 'deeply saddened' by deadly Libya floods

Francis sends ‘prayers for souls of deceased and all who mourn their loss’

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Pope Francis on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction by floods in Libya.

Francis said that he is "deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the flooding in the eastern part of Libya," according to the Vatican News.

The pontiff sent his "prayers for the souls of the deceased and all who mourn their loss."

He also sent his condolences to the people of Libya in a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and sent to Apostolic Nuncio to Libya Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai.

The death toll from devastating floods in Libya’s eastern city of Derna has soared to 5,200, according to local authorities.

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.

Kaynak:

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