Libya 'facing critical supplies shortages'
Libya faces critical shortages of drinking water, food, fuel and medicine, the United Nations humanitarian co-ordinator for the country has said.
The six-month conflict between rebels and Muammar Gaddafi’s forces has disrupted supply lines and damaged infrastructure.
Panos Moumtzis said more than half a dozen UN agencies have returned to Tripoli to address the country’s humanitarian needs since fighting in the capital waned last week.
Mr Moumtzis said the UN has brought in 11 million bottles of water and will bring in 600 metric tons of food and €100m worth of medicine.
He said, however, that he sees the UN aid as temporary, and that he expects oil-rich Libya to be able fund its own recovery starting in 2012.
