In response to the flooding emergency in Libya, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, gave instructions to respond to requests for support from the country, in constant liaison with the Italian Embassy in Tripoli and the relevant Italian authorities.
“Italy is close to the Libyan people in dealing with the aftermath of the cyclone that has claimed many lives and caused widespread damage. A team of experts from the Italian Civil Protection Department, the Fire Brigade, the Italian Ministry of Defence and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already arrived in Derna yesterday afternoon (12 September). Two C-130 J transport planes are expected to arrive this afternoon (13 September), which will provide material aid with teams specialised in water assistance. Further Italian aid is expected to arrive in the coming hours, if necessary. We want to actively contribute to the prompt recovery of a partner and friend country”, Tajani commented.
The aid includes helicopters for search and rescue activities, earth moving equipment, 100 field tents, 1000 cots with sleeping bags, and teams specialised in various sectors.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also in contact with the local authorities, through the Embassy in Tripoli and the Consulate General in Benghazi, and with the main humanitarian partners on the ground, to define emergency humanitarian interventions.
