The federal government is providing $5 million in humanitarian aid to Libya, where more than 11,000 people have died after two dams collapsed, causing severe flooding.
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced the funding a statement on Friday.
The statement added that the assistance is intended to “help humanitarian partners provide immediate life-saving assistance, including emergency medical assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, and shelter and relief supplies, in flood-affected areas in northeastern Libya.”
This is in addition to $10 million allocated from the United Nations Central Emergency Relief Fund, of which Canada is a donor, to address the crisis, the statement said.
“Canadians are saddened by the loss of life and the terrible destruction caused by the flooding in Libya,” Hussen said.
“Canadians believe in helping others in times of crisis, which is why the Government of Canada will be providing life-saving assistance on the ground in Libya.”
Following the arrival of Mediterranean storm Daniel last weekend, the two dams collapsed, flooding the northeastern city of Derna.
In addition to the thousands of deaths, more than 10,000 people are still missing and presumed dead.
Libya has been without a central government since the NATO-backed Arab Spring toppled the country’s long-time autocratic ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. The country remains divided between rival governments in the east and west, each supported by different militias.
The Canadian Red Cross And Islamic Relief Canada have each launched their own flood appeal in Libya to help those affected by the floods. Several Canadian banks are also providing support.
With files from CTVNews.ca, author Hayatullah Amanat and The Associated Press
“Travel aficionado. Twitter scholar. Writer. Extreme coffee guru. Evil pop culture fanatic.”