Finland preparing to send material assistance to Libya

Libya has requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism following the destruction caused by Storm Daniel on 12 September. Libya has requested a wide range of assistance, including shelters, medical supplies and expert assistance.

Finland has responded to the request by offering tents, blankets, sleeping pads and water canisters. The Ministry of the Interior is preparing to assist Libya in close cooperation with the National Emergency Supply Agency.

- We will receive the material from the National Emergency Supply Agency, which will make it ready for delivery. The Ministry of the Interior is preparing the delivery together with the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), says Heikki Honkanen, Senior Coordinator from the Ministry of the Interior. 

Storm Daniel has caused massive flooding and flash floods in northeast Libya. According to the UN, at least 5,000 people have already died and 10,000 people are estimated to be missing.

- The situation in Libya is very critical. Human and material losses are enormous, and it is important that assistance reaches the destination quickly. As requested by Libya, we will send material assistance to the region, says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

On Saturday 8 September, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, causing major damage. The Ministry of the Interior is closely monitoring the situation in Morocco. So far, however, Morocco has not requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Assistance provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

Any country can request assistance via the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism if it faces a crisis that it cannot handle alone. These crises can be natural or human-induced disasters, such as major accidents, technological, chemical and environmental accidents or terrorist acts. Requests for assistance are coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), operating under the European Commission.

Assistance provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is based on the national resources of the EU Member States. The assistance may take the form of specialised rescue teams or expert and material assistance. The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance in the field of rescue services. 

Inquiries: 

Heikki Honkanen, Senior Coordinator, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 295 488 565, firstname.lastname@gov.fi 

Pauliina Eskola, Director of International Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 295 488 263, firstname.lastname@gov.fi

Jaakko Pekki, Director of the Operations Department, National Emergency Supply Agency
Requests for interviews with Jaakko Pekki: Mari Mäkinen, Communications Specialist, National Emergency Supply Agency, tel. +358 295 051 114, mari.makinen@nesa.fi