Doctors Without Borders logistics coordinator is supervising the convoy of medical material to be sent in Derna, Libya. Libya, September 2023. © MSF
This is the statement from Matthieu Chantrelle, Doctors Without Borders Deputy Operation Manager for Libya:
"Doctors Without Borders team has managed to arrive in Tobouk yesterday. The information that we have is that the city of Derna is really separated into the west part and the east part where the access between these two parts is very complicated, and this is due to the overflow of the river. It seems that civil society has mobilised and there are a lot of actors, individuals, also some organisations that arrived there, some materials—but it is not clear what.
The first need is management of the dead bodies. There is a big need for mortuary bags. There is also a need to ensure that the injured are treated. And then, it seems there is a big gap in terms of mental health. Based on the information we have, there are no actors in place responding [to mental health].
It seems that from the number of casualties already confirmed, it is going to be catastrophic. Apparently, there are more than 30,000 displaced people in Derna. This will require shelters, nonfood items, hygiene kits, and so on.
Doctors Without Borders’ priority today is for the team to be able to arrive in Derna to coordinate with the Libyan Red Crescent and to donate more than 200 medical kits and mortuary bags. After, the teams will assess the hospitals and health centers and the medical needs, so we can launch operations as soon as possible. We’re getting ready to be able to send a team to help as soon as we’ve confirmed the needs."
Doctors Without Borders logistics coordinator is supervising the convoy of medical material in Misrata. Libya, September 2023. © MSF
Will you support our emergency response work?
Help us provide lifesaving medical care during emergencies, such as in Libya and around the world, by making a donation today.
