The process of giving out food, medicines and other vital supplies to affected communities in eastern Libya has begun, the International Committee of the Red Cross says.

The aid agency says it has also sent more rescue teams to assist with humanitarian relief efforts, as well as strengthening forensics teams in nearby Benghazi.

This team will help give out 6,000 body bags to assist authorities and the Libyan Red Crescent Society (a related organisation), to “ensure dignified treatment of the dead”, the ICRC says.

Kitchen sets, mattresses and hygiene items are to be distributed in Derna over the coming weeks, while medicines are also being donated in the next few days.

The ICRC adds a major challenge for humanitarian action is access to the flood-hit areas, with many roads seriously damaged or entirely destroyed. It also notes the risk of unexploded bombs and abandoned explosive weapons stores in Derna.