Coronavirus - Africa: Red Cross Red Crescent alarmed at increase in migrant drownings in Mediterranean Warmer weather and relaxed COVID-19 lockdowns are thought to be behind an increase in numbers of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa to Europe Red Crescent societies in Tunisia and Libya are seeing an increase in drownings on the shores of North Africa. In the month of June alone, Red Crescent teams recovered 26 bodies in Libya and more than 30 in Tunisia. When they do arrive, Italian Red Cross volunteers are the first people they see, providing first aid and psychosocial support, facilitating quarantine measures and sharing information. Across the sea, North and Central African countries also should not be left alone: humanity and solidarity are the only answers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Source: The North Africa Journal July 10, 2020 07:18 UTC