UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, has expressed deep shock at the catastrophic flooding in Libya, describing it as an unimaginable disaster. Speaking from the United Nations’ headquarters in Geneva, Griffiths emphasized that the flood serves as a massive reminder of the presence of climate change and the challenges it poses.

Griffiths acknowledged that the United Nations faces a challenging year ahead, with governments stretched to their limits in dealing with climate-related crises. He revealed that a disaster coordination team has been redeployed from Morocco to assist with the crisis in Libya.

The political instability that has plagued Libya over the past decade, including multiple civil wars, has exacerbated the impact of the floods. Griffiths noted that even before the dams failed, 300,000 people in Libya were in need of humanitarian assistance.

In response to the flooding, the UN has launched an urgent appeal for just over $71 million to address the needs of those affected by this devastating disaster.