Russia will send several planes to help flood-affected areas in northeastern Libya, Russian Ambassador to the North African country Aidar Aganin told Sputnik.
According to the diplomat, the Russian aid to the nation will include teams of rescuers and doctors, but also necessary materials such as equipment, blankets, and tents.
"After careful preparatory work, the practical phase of the operation will begin on September 15," he said, adding: "The Libyan side is giving us full support."
Heavy rains hit Libya on September 10, and according to the latest official figures, the number of flood victims in the coastal city of Derna alone has exceeded 7,000. Air and seaports in the region were closed due to downpours. The cities of Susah and Derna were declared natural disaster zones. Curfews have been imposed in cities affected by the floods.
Derna's mayor, Abdulmenam Al-Ghaithi, said Wednesday that the death toll from the floods could reach 18,000 or 20,000. A representative of the country's Interior Ministry described the situation as catastrophic, adding that many bodies are floating in the sea or buried under the rubble.
Earlier, the International Organization for Migration said that at least 30,000 people had to leave their homes in Derna.
Hisham Chkiouat, Minister of Civil Aviation in the country's eastern administration, told Sputnik that hospitals cannot receive all the victims of the deadly floods, and some patients will be transferred to hospitals in the center of the country. He also revealed that about a quarter of the city of Derna was destroyed as a result of the natural disaster.
The minister elaborated that rescue teams from Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia and France have arrived in the country.
In addition, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Thursday that the country has allocated €350,000 ($373,000) in initial aid to Libya's flood-hit population. In recent days, Italy has sent three planes with equipment and rescue teams to the affected areas.