Floods in Libya: French aid plane takes off from Istres military base

As Libya faces deadly floods, a French plane carrying around forty rescue workers and several tons of medical equipment took off this Wednesday afternoon from the military base of Istres (Bouches-du-Rhône).

Devastating floods caused by Hurricane Daniel have left thousands of people dead or missing in eastern Libya. At least 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Derna, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday.

“We have to leave as quickly as possible, because every hour that passes means fewer lives,” explained the Chief of Staff of the Air Force from the Istres military airbase, General Stefan Tysiacha.

The first French aid plane, an A400M, is expected to land overnight in al-Bayda, one of the worst-hit areas northeast of Benghazi, the military said. The Elysee Palace announced it would dispatch emergency teams “within 24 to 48 hours.”

21 tons of sanitary equipment

It employs 47 people, including civil security officers, as well as firefighters and gendarmes, and has 21 tons of medical equipment, including a field hospital.

“We are leaving and do not know when we will return,” added General Mille, specifying that the French army was organizing “with the authorities on the spot.” The main thing is to go there. We will find people there to coordinate.”

A hint at the complex political situation in the divided North African country, with an internationally recognized government based in the capital Tripoli in the west and a separate administration in the flood-ravaged eastern region. The second transport of the same type is due to depart on Thursday.