Google Yahoo! Myspace YouTube Facebook Live eBay Wikipedia Craigslist Blogger Amazon Go CNN ESPN New York Times Weather About MapQuest Apple Ask Wal-Mart Chase Cnet Bank of America CareerBuilder
More Than 140,000 People Flee Libya
|
The United Nations refugee agency says over the past 10 days, more than 140,000 people have fled to Egypt and Tunisia from Libya. The UNHCR says tens of thousands of people are stuck at the borders and in urgent need of help.
The U.N. refugee agency says the situation at the Libya-Tunisia border is chaotic. It says 14,000 people crossed the border Monday, the highest number to date.
The agency says it is crucial to move tens of thousands of people away from the overcrowded border to avoid a humanitarian crisis. But transportation is scarce.
UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming says the agency has erected 1,500 tents, which can shelter 12,000 people. And she says two airlifts planned for Thursday will deliver tents and supplies for up to 10,000 people.
“We have now visited the border entry point to Tunisia. What is unfortunate is that thousands of people are waiting on the Libyan side of the border to enter. Some for as long as three days. They are obliged to spend the night outside in the bitter cold without shelter. We are very concerned that a large number of sub-Saharan Africans are not being allowed into Tunisia at this point. We are in negotiation with self-appointed volunteers from the local community who are guarding the border," she said.
Fleming says nearly 70,000 people have crossed from Libya into Egypt since February 19. She says the majority are Egyptians.
The agency says it is crucial to move tens of thousands of people away from the overcrowded border to avoid a humanitarian crisis. But transportation is scarce.
UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming says the agency has erected 1,500 tents, which can shelter 12,000 people. And she says two airlifts planned for Thursday will deliver tents and supplies for up to 10,000 people.
“We have now visited the border entry point to Tunisia. What is unfortunate is that thousands of people are waiting on the Libyan side of the border to enter. Some for as long as three days. They are obliged to spend the night outside in the bitter cold without shelter. We are very concerned that a large number of sub-Saharan Africans are not being allowed into Tunisia at this point. We are in negotiation with self-appointed volunteers from the local community who are guarding the border," she said.
Fleming says nearly 70,000 people have crossed from Libya into Egypt since February 19. She says the majority are Egyptians.
Categories
Newsletter
Get each new article from
New York
Your email:
Latest
No need to panic over new calcium heart attack research, say British Heart FoundationSupport for same-sex marriage hits high of 53%Yahoo unveils slick new 'search browser'The world's longest flightsShareholders sue Facebook, NYSE comes callingEurope Markets Seen Rising Despite Tepid EU Summit6 injured as fire crews battle blaze on nuclear-powered submarine at Maine shipyardDetailed, 'engaged' Iran nuclear talks enter 2nd dayEager Egyptians hold landmark presidential voteUN no longer 'fit for purpose' after Syria, says Amnesty
Tags
Popular
New York cops bust 45 in 'Supreme Team' drug crackdownNew York Tattoo Convention lands at Roseland Ballroom with up to 200 artistsREVEALED: A look inside Britain's most exclusive apartment block as £65m flat at One Hyde Park goes up for saleSenators take aim at Facebook co-founder, who will skip taxes by renouncing citizenshipNew York City Plans to Offer Buyouts to Idled TeachersBeastie Boys' Adam Yauch Honored by New York Senate$90M midtown penthouse tops mark for priciest New York City apartmentPopular Antibiotic May Raise Risk of Sudden DeathDonna Summer, Disco Queen, Dead at 63California expects Facebook boost
Comments
New York, NY |
|
