Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, has stressed the need for coordinated national action to overcome the current crisis in Libya.

Mr Bathily made the remarks at a meeting with Khalifa Haftar, commander of the eastern-based Libyan army, in the eastern city of Benghazi, where they discussed ongoing relief efforts in the disaster-stricken areas.

“I reiterated my call for all stakeholders to build on the extraordinary solidarity and unity that Libyans have shown at these difficult times.

“I stressed the necessity to grant full access to UN agencies and aid organisations working to alleviate the suffering of affected people,” said Mr Bathily.

On September 10, Mediterranean storm Daniel triggered the largest and worst floods in decades in eastern Libya.

Thousands died, tens of thousands were displaced, and the region’s infrastructure was severely damaged.

Libya has been in a political stalemate since the overthrow of the late leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011, with two rival governments and several foreign powers intervening in the conflict.

 The political impasse has had a devastating impact on the country, with an ailing economy, damaged infrastructure, and millions of people displaced. 

(Xinhua/NAN)